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IMAGE  EVALUATION 
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10X 

14X 

18X 

22X 

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7 

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: 

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BibliothAqua 

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d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

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symbols  V  signifie  "FIN". 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc..  peuvent  Atre 
filmte  A  des  taux  de  r6duction  diffirents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reprodult  en  un  seul  clich*.  il  est  film*  A  partir 
de  Tangle  sup6rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  A  droite. 
et  de  haut  en  bas.  en  prenant  le  nombre 
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illustrent  la  mtthode. 


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I'^Air. 


EG-G8 


or 


North  American  Birds 


BT 


CHAS.  J.  MAYNARD. 


ILLUSTRATED 
WITH   TEN  HAND-COLORED  PLATES. 


BOSTON: 

DE    WOLFE,   FISKE   &   CO. 

1890. 


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C.  J.  PETERS  &  SON, 

TvPOORAPMERe   AND   ElECTROTVPEM, 
14*  High  Strht,  Bmton. 


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INTRODUCTION. 


Tdk  present  work  on  the  Eggs  of  North  American  Birds  em- 
bodieB  the  results  of  my  studies  on  this  subject  during  ihe 
past  thirty  years.  During  this  time,  many  tliousand  speci- 
mens have  been  examined  and  notes  made  on  them.  Besides 
this,  I  have,  when  necessary,  supplemented  my  own  «>l»serva- 
tions  with  those  of  otiiers,  and  have  consulted  all  available 
works  upon  the  subject  for  this  purpose*.  But,  unless  so 
stated,  I  am  responsible  for  the  descriptions. 

I  have  deemed  it  qtiite  unnecessary  to  ref)eat  des»!riptions  of 
the  eggs  of  allied  8])ecies  where  the  difterenccs  in  the  average 
specimens  are  indistinguishable,  but  have  simply  stated  this 
fact.  All  of  the  names  of  the  species  and  sub-spot-ies  of  ))irds 
which  occur  within  the  prescribed  limits  are  included  in  the 
work  ;  and,  even  if  their  eggs  are  unknown,  the  bre<'ding  range, 
when  known,  is  given.  No  eggs  are  described  unless  the  iden- 
titication  of  the  specimiiii  is  absolutely  correct. 

In  the  matter  of  nomenclature,  T  have  followed  that  of  th<r 
American  ()rnithologi8ts'  Union,  hoping  thereby  to  secure  un- 
changing uniformity  of  names,  while  the  boundary  lines  estab- 
lished by  that  body  are  also  used  as  defining  the  limits  of  the 
North  American  avifauna.  I  have,  however,  made  a  few  minor 
changes,  where  I  have  personally  differed  in  oi)inion  as  to  the 
specific  or  sub-specific  rank  of  certain  birds.  The  changes, 
however,  are  few  and  unimportant,  as  I  have  not  considered  a 

m 


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BBI 


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INTHODVCTION. 


work   of  thifl  de8<;ription  exactly  a   fit  place  for  the  free  ox- 
proHsion  of  any  ideaH  that  I  may  chance  to  have  upon  these 

As  platCH  Avhort'in  ('{jga  of  eatth  speoioB  of  bird  could  be  rep- 
resi'iitod  would  uol  only  maki.'  a  very  expctmivt'  work,  but 
would  also  be  unneccssury,  !  have  only  H^^uri-l  what  I  conhider 
type  eii;gN,  not  of  groups  of  birds,  but  of  typcM  of  the  foiTnn  and 
patterns  of  coloration  of  North  Anierit-iin  K-.'/^s.  These  plaleH 
have  been  carefully  colored  by  liaml,  by  Mrs.  Maynard,  from 
the  eggs. 

The  dintensions  of  th«^  eggs  are  in  inches  and  hundrcdthH 
of  m<:h«;s,  and  tisually  the  measurement  of  the  largeat  and 
smallest  Rpociinens  in  a  large  series  \»  given. 

Tiie  apj)earance  of  this  work  is    the  !ictuali/atioii  of  onf  of 

the  [irojocts  that  T  have  had  in  mind  for  many  years,  and  in  its 

completed   slate  I  now  present  the  volume  to  the  public.     In 

closing,  I  take  pleasure  in  thanking   my  many  friends  for  their 

repeated  acts  of  kindneBS   to  which  this  and  my  other  woiks 

owe  their  success. 

C.  J    MAYNAKD. 

Nkwtowvii.i.k,  Mass. 
August  t,  1889. 


THK 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


ORDER  I.  — PYGOPODES.    Diving  Birds. 

EggSj  extremely  variable  in  form  and  color,  either  plain  or 
spotted.     Nesting  habitH,  dissimilar. 

Family  I.  —  PODICIPIDiE.     Grebes. 

Eggs,  oval,  bluish  green,  covered  with  a  chalky  incrustation, 
which  in  the  freshly  deposited  egg  is  white,  but  quickly  be- 
comes stained. 

Nests,  composed  of  a  mass  of  weeds,  grasses,  etc.,  placed  in 
the  water. 

1.  Western  Grebe,  ^chmophorna  occidentalis.  Eggs, 
3,  4,  or  5;  2.25  -|-  1.50  to  2.35  -{-  1.55.  The  largest  of  the 
Grebes.  Breeds  throughout  Western  America,  eastward  to 
Manitoba,  in  early  June. 

2.  Holbosll's  Gkebe,  Cohjmbus  fiolhce.llii.  Eggs,  8  to  10; 
1.35  -f  2.00  to  1.40  +  2.10.  Breeds  throughout  extreme 
Northern  North  America  an<l  Greenland,  late  in  June. 

3.  Horned  Grebe,  Coh/mbns  anritus.  Eggs,  4  to  6;  1.15 
+  1.70  to  1.20  +  1.75.  Smnllcr  in  size  than  those  of  No.  6. 
Breeds  throughout  North  America  from  Northern  United 
States,  northward,  late  in  June. 

4.  American  Eared  Guebe,  (^ohjmbris  nigricolUs  callforni- 
ms.  Eggs,  4  to  6;  1.70  +  1.80  to  1.18  -f-  1.33.  Breeds 
throughout  Northern  and  Western  North  America  west  of  the 
Mississippi  Valley,  late  in  June. 

5.  St.  Domingo  Grebe,  Colymhus  dotninicus.  Eggs,  un- 
known, but  they  must  be   the  smallest  of   all  Grebes'  eggs. 

1 


jjl  EQGH  OF  NOHTll  AMERICAN  HIHDS. 

Breeds  in  Texas,  Southern  Californiu,  South  Amorica,  south  to 
Paraguay,  aii<l  West  Indies. 

0.  I'juD-niLLUi)  (iKKUK,  PodUymbtiH  podiceps.  (Typo, 
Plato  I.)  Ejjj's,4  to  7 ;  1.1')  -f  \Xm  to  1.2;') -f-  1.85.  Tlic  most 
coinnion  specios.  llreeds  throughout  North  America  and  South 
America,  Uuenos  AyreH,  West  Indies,  and  Bermudas,  late  in 
June  iu  the  more  northern  localities. 

Family  11.  — URINATORIDyl^:.    Loons. 

Eggs,  deep  greenish-brown,  varying  individually  in  intensity 
of  color,  spotted  and  blotched  with  very  dark  brown. 

Nests,  composed  of  a  mass  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.,  placed  in 
marshy  places  near  the  water. 

7.  Loon,  Urinator  imber.  (Type,  Plato  L)  Eggs,  2  or  3; 
2.15  -\-  3.50  to  2.35  -f  3.85.  Brpods  throughout  the  Northern 
States,  northward,  during  the  early  part  of  June. 

8.  Yellow-hillkd  Loon,  Urinator  adamav..  Eggs,  indis- 
tinguishable  from  those  of  No.  8.  Breeds  in  Arctic  America, 
west  of  Hudson  Bay. 

9.  Black-throated  Loon,  Urinator  arcticua.  Eggs,  2  or 
3;  1.90  -f-  2.90  to  2.00  +  8.00.  Smaller  than  those  of  No.  1. 
Breeds  in  northern  part  of  Northern  IIerui8i)here,  in  early  June. 

10.  Pacific  Loon,  Urinator  pacijicus.  Eggs,  2  or  3;  1.85 
-f-  2.10  to  1.95  -f  2.80.  Breeds  on  Northern  Pacific  coast  of 
North  America,  in  June. 

11.  Red-thkoateu  Loon,  Urinator  lumme.  Eggs,  2  or  3; 
1.75  4-  2.65  to  1.90  -J-  3.00.  Breeds  in  northern  part  of 
Northern  Hemisphere. 


Faotly  HL  —  ALCTDJC.    Auks,  Muhres,  .and  Puffins. 

Eggs,  ])yriform,  occasionally  white,  but  often  brilliantly  col- 
ored and  conspicuously  marked.   No  material  used  for  the  nests. 

12.  Tufted  Puffin,  Lwxda  cirrhatn.  Eggs,  1,  white; 
1.40  +  2.40  to  1.S5  -\-  8.00.  Larger  than  those  of  No.  13. 
Breeds  on  the  coasts  and  islands  of  North  Pacific,  in  July. 


'LAT 


r.  i. 


of 


col- 
lests. 

Lite ; 
13. 


uJKI 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


8 


13.  Puffin,  Fratercula  arctica.  Eggs,  white  when  fresh; 
occasionally  mottled  with  greenish  and  lilac ;  1.20  -|-  2.30  to 
1.70  -}-  "J.XO  ;  deposited  in  burrows  dug  by  the  birds.  Breeds 
on  coasts  and  islands  of  Eastern  North  America,  from  Bay  of 
Fundy,  nortliward,  in  first  week  in  July.  The  most  common 
6])ecie8. 

13a.  Large-billed  Puffin,  l^ratercxila  arctica  f/lacialis. 
Eggs,  not  to  be  distinguished  from  those  of  No.  13.  Breeds 
on  coast  and  islands  of  North  Atlantic,  from  Spitzbergen  to 
Baffin's  Bay. 

14.  Horned  Puffin,  J^ratercxila  corniculata.  Eggs,  1, 
oblong  oval,  white;  1.75  +  2.75  to  1.80  +  2.80.  Breeds  on 
coasts  and  islands  of  North  Pacific,  in  rocky  crevices,  in  May. 
Known  from  those  of  No.  13  by  the  more  elongated  form. 

15.  Rhinoceros  Auklet,  Ccrorhinca  monocerata.  Eggs, 
1,  oval,  dirty  white,  not  unlike  that  of  a  common  hen;  1.81  -(- 
2.61  to  1.85  -\-  2.65.  Breeds  on  coast  and  islands  of  both  coasts 
of  Pacific,  from  California  and  Japan,  northward,  in  burrows, 
in  May. 

16.  Cassin's  Auklet,  Ptychoramphus  alenticus.  Eggs,  1, 
oval  or  oblong  oval,  pure  white;  1.25 -j- 1.80  to  1.30 -|- 1,95. 
Breeds  on  Pacific  coast  of  North  America,  from  Farallones, 
northward,  in  burrows. 

17.  Paroquet  Auklet,  Cyclorrhyachus  psittaculus.  Eggs, 
oval  or  oblong,  white ;  1.45 -f-  2.25  to  1.50  -j-  2.35.  Breeds  on 
coast  and  islands  of  North  Pacific,  from  Aleutian  to  Kurile 
Islands,  northward,  on  naked  rocks,  early  in  May. 

18.  Crested  Auklet,  Simorliynchus  criaUitdlus.  Eggs,  1, 
oval,  white,  with  the  shell  roughened;  1.40 -|- 2.10  to  1.45 -|- 
2.15.  Breeds  on  coasts  and  islands  of  North  Pacific,  from 
Kadiak  and  Japan,  northward,  under  rocks  and  in  crevices, 
early  in  May. 

19.  Whiskered  Auklet,  Simorhynchus  pygmams.  Eggs, 
unknown  Breeds  on  coast  and  islands  of  North  Pacific,  from 
Unalashka  throuffh  the  Aleutian  chain  to  Kamtschatka. 


i^utii^MmmiSmmmmmm 


III 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


20.  Least  Auklkt,  Simorhynchus  pusillus.  Eggs,  1,  oblong 
oval,  somewhat  ))oiiitecl  at  smaller  end,  but  somewhat  variable 
in  form,  white;  1.12 -|- 1.55  to  1.13 -f- 1-03.  Breeds  on  coast 
and  islands  of  North  Pacific,  from  Sitka  and  Japan  to  Bering's 
Strait,  under  rocks,  the  first  week  in  June. 

21.  Ancient  Mukkelet,  SyiUhliboramphtis  antiquus. 
Eggs,  2,  oval,  pale  buff,  with  longitudinal  markings  of  pale 
gray  and  brown  ;  1.45  -}-  2.15  to  1.55  +  2.50,  Breeds  on  the 
coast  and  islands  of  North  Pacific,  from  Sitka  and  Japan, 
northward,  in  burrows  on  the  face  of  banks,  early  in  June, 

22.  Temminck's  Murrelet,  Synthliboramphus  wurnizus- 
vme.  Eggs,  unknown.  Breeds  on  coast  and  islands  of  North 
Pacific,  from  Washington  Territory  and  Japan,  and  northward. 

23.  Marrled  Murrelet,  Brachyramphua  marmoratus. 
Eggs,  unknown.  Breeds  on  coast  of  North  Pacific,  from  Van- 
couver Island,  and  northward, 

24.  KiTTLiTz's  Murrelet,  Brachyramphus  kittlitzii.  Eggs, 
unknown.  Breeds  on  Kanitschatka  and  the  Aleutian  Islands, 
east  to  Unalashka, 

25.  Xantus's  Murrelet,  Brachyramphus  hypoleucns. 
Eggs,  unknown.  Breeds  on  the  coast  of  Southern  California, 
from  San  Diego  to  Cape  St.  Lucas. 

26.  Craveri's  ^Murrelet,  Brachyramphus  craveri.  Eggs, 
unknown.  Breeds  on  the  Island  of  Natridad,  Gulf  of  Cali- 
fornia. 

27.  Black  Guillemot,  Cepphus  grylle.  (Type,  Plate  II.) 
Eggs,  o  or  4,  oval,  white,  creamy,  or  greenish,  spotted  and 
blotched  irregularly  with  very  dark  brown. 

28.  Mandt's  Guillemot,  Cepphus  mandtii.  Eggs,  indis- 
tinguished  from  No.  27.  Breeds  throughout  Arctic  .egions 
of  both  continents,  south  to  Labrador,  and  along  the  Alaskan 
coast. 

29.  Pigeon  Guillemot,  ('eppJms  columba.  Eggs,  indistin- 
guishable from  those  of  No.  27.  Breeds  on  coast  :ind  islands 
of  Pacific,  from  California  and  Japan  north  to  Bering's  Strait. 


EGGS  OF  NOnriT  AMERICAN   NIUDS. 


30.  MuKKE,  Cria  troile.  (Typo,  Plate  I.)  Kirgs,  1,  de- 
cidedly pyrit'orni,  varying  from  pure  white,  throiigli  blue  to 
green,  spotted,  blotched,  and  lined  with  black,  brown,  and 
umber;  jjlaced  on  rocky  shelves  of  cliffs;  1.75  -\-  2.90  to  2.15 
-\-  '■^^)0.  Breeds  on  tlie  coasts  and  islands  of  Atlantic,  from 
Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  northward,  in  June. 

yOa.  Camfounia  Mukre,  Uria  troile  californica.  Eggs,  in- 
distintr'iishable  from  those  of  No.  30.  Breeds  on  coasts  and 
islands  of  North  Pacific,  from  California  to  Prybilof  Islands. 

306.  Ringed  Murbe,  Uria  troile  ringvia.  Eggs,  indistin- 
guishable from  those  of  No.  30,  and  breeding  range  the  same. 

31.  Bkunnicii's  Mukre,  Uria  lomvia.  Eggs,  indistin- 
guishable from  those  of  No.  30,  and  breeding  range  the  same, 
excepting  that  it  occurs  in  the  Eastern  Arctic  Ocean. 

31a.  Pallas's  Murre,  Uria  lomvia  arra.  Eggs,  indis- 
tinguishable from  those  of  No.  30.  Breeds  on  coasts  and 
islands  of  the  North  Pacific  and  Western  Arctic  Oceans. 

32.  Razor-billed  Auk,  Alca  torda.  Eggs,  usually  1  or  2, 
oval,  white  or  bluish,  spotted  and  blotched  with  very  dark 
brown  and  umber;  2.10 -f- 3.10  to  2.15 -|- 3.15;  placed  in  holes 
of  cliffs.    Breeds  from  coast  of  Maine,  northward,  in  June. 

33.  Great  Auk,  Plautus  impennis.  Eggs,  1,  rather  pyri- 
form,  varying  from  white  to  bluish,  spotted  and  blotched  with 
white,  brown  and  black.  Formerly  found  breeding  from  New- 
foundland, northward,  now  supposed  to  be  extinct. 

34.  DovEKiE,  Alle  alle.  (Type,  Plate  III.)  Eggs,  1,  bluish 
white;  1.25  +  1-80  to  1.30  -f-  1-85;  placed  on  shelves  of  cliffs. 
Breeds  in  Greenland,  and  on  the  coasts  and  islands  of  high 
northern  latitudes  in  Atlantic  and  Eastern  Arctic  Oceans,  in 
June. 


6 


EGGS  OF  NOliTlI  AMEIUCXN   lUiiDS. 


ORDER  II.— LONGIPENNES.    Long-winged 

Swimmers. 

Nests,  pl.nced  on  the  ground,  or  on  rocky  cliifs,  and  occa8ioii< 
ally  in  trees  or  bushes. 

Family  IV.  — STEIiOORARIID^E.    Skuas  and  J^gebs. 

Eggs,  dark  in  color,  rather  obscurely  marked,  and  placed  on 
the  ground. 

35.  Skua,  Megalestris  skua.  Eggs,  2  or  3,  oval,  olive 
brown,  rather  obscurely  blotched  with  dark  brown ;  1.95  -|- 
2.75  to  IJ.OO  -|-  2.90.  Large  size  and  dark  color  distinguish  this 
species.  Breeds  on  coasts  of  North  Atlantic,  from  the  Shet- 
land Islands,  northward,  in  June.  The  bird  is  only  occasion- 
ally found  on  the  American  coast. 

36.  PoMAiiiXK  J^GEU,  Stercorarius  pomarinus.  Eggs,  2 
or  3,  rounded  oval,  deep  olive  drab,  sparingly  spotted  with 
slate  color  and  a  few  reddish  dots  and  blotches;  size,  between 
those  of  Nos.  35  and  36;  1.70  -|-  2.25  to  1.75  +  2.80.  Breeds 
in  the  northern  portions  of  the  Northern  Hemisphere. 

37.  Parasitic  J^ger,  Stercorarius  parasiticus.  Eggs,  2 
or  3,  oval,  deep  yellow  or  greenish  brown,  spotted  and  blotched 
with  varying  shades  of  brown  and  umber;  1.55  -f-  2.12  to  1.60 
-|-  2.35.  Not  to  be  readily  distinguished  from  those  of  No.  36. 
Breeds  in  high  latitudes,  on  the  European  coast,  from  the  Shet- 
land Islands,  northward. 

38.  Long-tailed  J^ger,  Stercorarius  lo7)fficandits.  (Tyj)e, 
Plate  II.)  Eggs,  2  or  3,  oval,  deep  yellowish  brown,  spotted 
and  blotched  with  varying  shades  of  dark  brown  and  umber; 
1.50-1-2.15  to  1.56-1-2.25.  The  smallest  of  the  Jaegera. 
Breeds  in  high  latitudes  of  the  Northern  Hemisphere. 

Family  V.  —  LARID J^].     Gulls  and  Terns. 

Nests  placed  on  cliffs,  trees,  or  bushes,  and  often  on  the 
ground. 


4 


t.. 


k- 


EGG8  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


39.  IvoRT  Gull,  Gavia  alba.  E«;gs,  1,  obloiijj  oval,  light 
yellowish  olive,  marked  throughout  with  small  blotches  of  dark 
brown,  with  lighter  shell-Tiiarkings  ;  1.70 -f- 2.45  to  l.lb-\-2.bO' 
Breeds  in  Arctic  sens,  on  rocky  cliffs,  in  June. 

40.  KiTTiwAKK,  Jiissa  tridacf.i/la.  Eggs,  2  or  3,  oval,  yel- 
lowish buff,  sjH)tted  and  blotched  with  rounded  marks  of  brown 
or  lilac;  1.60 -f  2.20  to  1.70  4-2.25.  Nest  placed  on  cliffs, 
composed  of  sea-weeds,  etc.  Breeds  from  Gulf  of  St.  Law- 
rence, northward. 

40a.  Pacific  Kittiwakk,  Rissa  tridacti/la pollicaris.  Eggs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  40.  Breeds  on  coasts  of 
North  Pacific  and  Bering's  Sea. 

41.  Hed-lkgoed  KiTTiwAKE,  Rissa  bierirostris.  Eggs,  in- 
distinguishable from  those  of  No.  40.  Breeds  on  the  coasts 
and  islands  of  Behring's  Sea. 

42.  Glaucous  Gull,  Larus  glaucus.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  oval, 
varying  from  bluish  white  to  dark  brown,  but  generally  pale, 
spotted  and  blotched  with  rounded  markings  of  brown  and 
lilac,  usually  of  large  size ;  2.14  +  2.95  to  2.25  +  3.00.  Breeds 
in  the  Arctic  regions,  late  in  June. 

43.  Iceland  Guli-,  Larus  lenco'4ertis.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  oval, 
deep  brownish  yellow,  spotted  and  blotched  with  rather  rounded 
spots  of  brown  and  lil.ac,  of  varying  shade;  1.85 -{-2.70  to 
2.60  -|-  3.76.     Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions. 

44.  Glaitcous-wi.vgei>  Gull,  Lams  glaucescens.  Eggs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  4!^  Breeds  on  the  coasts 
of  Noriii  i'acific. 

44a.  Alaskaa'  Glaucous  Gull,  Larus  barroviainis.  Eggs, 
unknown.  Brefds  in  Alaska.  This  species  has  recently  been 
described  by  Mr.  Robert  llidgway. 

45.  Kumlien's  Gull,  Lams  kumlieni.  Eggs,  inrllstin- 
guishable  from  those  of  No.  43.  Breeds  on  coasts  and  islands 
of  Cumberland  Gulf. 

^6.     Nelson's  Gull,  Larus  uelsoni.    Eggs,  unknown,  but 


i 


8 


KGGS  OF  NORTH   AMERICAN  JilRDS. 


probably  intlistin^uishablc  from  those  of  No.  43.     Breeds  on 
coasts  of  Norton's  Sound,  Alaska. 

47.  Gkeat  Bla<;k-uacked  Gull,  learns  martnns.  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  oval,  varying  from  bluish  M'hito  to  deep  yellowish  brown, 
spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish  brown  and  lilac,  of  varying 
shades ;  2.20  -|-  2.95  to  2.30  +  3.00.  Breeds  on  both  coasts  of 
North  Atlantic,  in  Nortli  America,  from  Bay  of  Fundy,  north- 
ward.    The  eggs  are  laid  in  June. 

48.  Slatv-hacked  Gull,  Larus  schistisaffus.  Eggs,  un- 
known. Breeds  in  North  Pacific,  Herald  Island,  Arctic  Ocean, 
and  Alaska. 

49.  Western  Gull,  Zarus  occidentalis.  Eggs,  2  or  3, 
oval,  dark  olive  brown,  spotted  and  blotched  with  brown  and 
black;  1.80 -{- 2.70  to  2.00  4-2.90.  Breeds  from  Southern 
California,  northward,  in  May. 

50.  Siberian  Gull,  Larus  affinis.  Eggs,  unknown.  Breeds 
in  Greenland,  Northern  Asia,  and  Europe. 

51.  Herring  Gull,  Larus  argentatus.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  sim- 
ilar to  those  of  No.  47,  but  smaller ;  1.80  -|-  2.70  to  2.05  -\-  2.90. 
Breeds  in  the  northern  portion  of  the  old  world,  and  in  Cum- 
berland Sound. 

51a.  American  Herring  Gull,  Larus  argentaUis  smithao- 
nianus.  Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  51.  Breeds  on  Atlan- 
tic coast  of  North  America,  from  Maine,  northward,  early  in 
June.  Nests  composed  of  seaweeds  and  sticks,  placed  on  cliffs, 
on  the  ground,  or  in  trees. 

52.  Pallus's  Gull,  Larus  cachinnans.  Eggs,  similar  to 
those  of  No.  51.  Breeds  on  coasts  and  islands  of  North  Par 
cific  and  Arctic  Oceans,  on  the  ground,  early  in  May. 

53.  California  Girrx,  Larus  californicus.  Eggs,  similar  to 
those  of  No.  49.     Breeds  throughout  Western  North  America. 

54.  RiNG-BiLLRi)  Gull,  Larus  delawarensis.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
oval,  generally  dark  yellowish  brown,  rarely  bluish,  spots  of 
dark  brown,  often  elongated  into  lines;  1.60-}- 2.75  to  1.75 -f- 
2.89.    Breeds  only  in  the  Great  Lakes,  in  Labrador,  and  north- 


KGGti  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN   BIRDS. 


9 


ward,  ill  June.     NcKts  of  sticks  and  weeds,  placed  on  cliffs,  or 
on  the  ground. 

55.  Su()RT-BiLi,Ki)(iiiLL,  LarushrachyrhynchuH.  Egg8,in<liH- 
tiniruishable  from  those  of  No.  54.    Breeds  in  Arctic  America. 

56.  Mkw  Gull,  Lams  canus.  Eggs,  2  or  o,  broadly  oval, 
varying  from  oHvo  green  to  yellow  and  green,  spotted  and 
blotched  with  dark  brown  and  purple;  1.50  +  '^-^^  to  1.55  -|- 
2.25.  Extralimital ;  breeds  in  Northern  Europe  and  Asia.  The 
bird  has  been  taken  in  Labrador. 

57.  Heeumann's  Gull,  Larus  heertnanni.  Eggs,  oval  or 
oblong  oval,  varying  from  pale  to  dark  drab,  boldly  marked 
with  brown  and  grey ;  1.55  -|-  2.27  to  1.65  -f-  2.35.  Breeds  on 
the  Pacific  coast  of  North  America,  in  May. 

58.  Laughing  Gull,  Larus  atriciUa.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  oval, 
varying  from  bluish  white  to  ashy  green,  lined,  spotted,  and 
blotched  with  brown,  umber,  and  lilac,  the  lined  style  of  mark- 
ing predominating,  on  the  average ;  1.52  -|-  2.00  to  1.65  -\-  2.20. 
Kests  of  weeds,  placed  on  the  ground.  Breeds  on  the  Atlantic 
coast,  from  Maine  to  Brazil,  in  the  northern  portion  early  in 
July,  but  further  south  a  little  earlier. 

59.  Franklin's  Gull,  Larus  franklinii.  Eggs,  2  or  3, 
oval,  pale  greyish  green,  or  light  drab  or  olive,  with  rather 
obscure  irregular  markings  of  dark  brown ;  1.45  -\-  2.00  to  1.50 
-|-  2.25.  Breeds  in  the  Interior  of  North  America,  usually 
north  of  the  United  States. 

60.  Bonaparte's  Gull,  Larus  Philadelphia.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
oval,  varying  from  greenish  to  brown,  spotted  and  blotched 
with  marks  of  brown,  umber,  and  lilac;  1.13  -\-  133  to  1.15  -f- 
1.45.  Nests  of  grass  and  sea-weeds,  placed  on  cliffs  or  on  the 
ground.  Breeds  across  Northern  North  America,  rarely  along 
the  coast,  and  usually  north  of  the  United  States,  late  in  June. 

61.  Ross's  Gull,  Rhodostethia  rosea.  Eggs,  pyriforra,  dark 
olive,  spotted  with  darker.  Breeds  in  extreme  northern  Arctic 
regions. 

62.  Sabinb's  Gull.  Xema  sabinii.  Eggs,  2,  oval,  deep 
yellowish  or  greenish  brown,  obscurely  spotted  and  blotched 


If 


n 


10 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMEItIVA\    lilliDft. 


with   darker;    1.15  +  1.40   to   1.10 -f  1.50.     Known   by  the 
dark  color,  with  obscure  markings,  anil  small  size. 

63.  Gui.L-r.iLLED  Tern,  Gelochdidoii  iiilotica.  Egga,  3  or  4, 
short  oval,  yellowish  buff  to  greenish,  with  rounded  markings 
of  yellowish  brown  and  lilac;  1.30 -|- 1.75  to  1.40 -f  1.80. 
Known  from  all  other  Terns  by  the  short  oval  form. 

64.  Caspian  Teun,  Sterna  tscheffrava.  Eggs,  2  or  3,  short 
oval,  greenish  white,  blotched  with  brown  and  lilac;  1.85-)- 
2.90  to  1.90 -{-2.75.  Distinguished  from  those  of  No.  65  by 
the  yellowish  white  color.  Breeds  throughout  the  Northern 
Hemisphere ;  in  North  America,  northward,  to  the  Gulf  of  St. 
Lawrence,  Virginia,  Lake  Michigan,  Texas,  Nevada,  and  Cali- 
fornia, late  in  June. 

65.  Royal  Tern,  Sterna  maxima.  Eggs,  2  or  3,  rather 
pyriform,  white,  spotted  and  blotched  with  rounded  markings  of 
brown  or  lilac,  many  of  which  have  yellowish  edgings;  1.70  -f- 
2.70  to  1.75  -f-  2.75.  Eggs  distinguished  from  those  of  No. 
64  by  the  white  ground-color.  Breeds  from  coast  of  Virginia, 
southward,  throughout  tropical  America  an  .  on  the  west  coast 
of  Africa,  in  June. 

66.  Elegant  Tern,  Sterna  elegans.  Eggs,  1  or  2,  oval, 
purplish  white,  boldly  marked  with  black,  burnt  sienna,  and 
and  lilac;  1.45 -{- 2.20  to  1.50 -{- 2.25.  Breeds  on  coasts  of 
Pacific,  from  California  to  Chili. 

-  67.  Cabot's  Tern,  Sterna  sandwicensis  acuflavida.  (Type, 
Plate  II.)  Eggs,  1  or  2,  oval,  white,  spotted  and  blotched  with 
bluish  and  reddish;  1.25 -|- 2.00  to  1.30 -f  2.15.  Known  by 
the  oval  form,  size,  and  wliite  color.  Breeds  from  Florida, 
southward,  throughout  tropical  America. 

68.  Trudeau's  Tern,  Sterna  tnideaui.  Eggs,  unknown. 
Extralimital ;  breeds  m  Southern  South  America.  The  bird 
has  been  accidentally  found  in  New  Jersey  and  Long  Island. 

69.  Forster's  Tern,  Sterna  forstcri.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  oval, 
varying  from  nearly  pure  white  to  yellowish  buff  and  greenish, 
spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  brown,  umber,  and  lilac; 
1.05  -f-  1.41  to  1.25  -|-  1.80.    These  arc  the  palest  of  the  me- 


EGGS  OF  NOHTII  AMERICAN   HI  HI). 


11 


diuni-Rized  Torns'  ogijs,  on  the  average.  Nests  placed  on  tlio 
ground,  in  miirshes.  Breeds  tliroughout  the  interior  of  North 
Ameriea,  fronj  Manitoba,  southward,  and  along  the  coast  to 
Cobb's  Island,  Virginia. 

70.  Com  ^io\  Tkhs,  Sterna  hirundo.  (Typo,  Plate  I.)  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  61),  but  darker  in 
ground-eolor,  IJreeds  throughout  the  Northern  Hemisphere. 
but  in  North  America  confined  to  the  Atlantic  coast,  where  it 
breeds  in  coloiues,  from  Florida  to  the  Arctic  regions. 

71.  Akctic  Tern,  Sterna  panulmva.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  indis. 
tinguishable  from  those  of  No.  70,  but  averagv  a  little  darker. 
Nests  [)laced  on  the  ground,  on  sand-hills.  IJreeds  throughout 
the  Northern  Ili-misphere ;  in  North  America  from  Southern 
Massachusetts  to  Arctic  regions. 

72.  IlosKATE  Tekx,  Sterna  doagalU.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  indistin- 
guishable from  those  of  Nos.  70  and  71,  but,  from  the  smaller 
size  of  the  bird,  should  be,  perhaps,  a  trifle  smaller.  The  nest- 
ing habits  of  the  last  three  given  species  serve  to  identify  the 
eggs,  in  a  measure.  No.  70  nests  in  sand-hills,  but  seldom  con- 
structs much  of  a  nest,  a  little  grass  only  being  used.  No.  71 
lays  on  the  naked  sand,  without  a  nest;  No.  72  in  the  sand- 
hills, and  constructs  a  more  or  less  elaborate  nest  of  sticks, 

73.  Aleutian  Teen,  Sterna  aleutica.  Eggs,  oval,  brownish 
or  greenish  olive,  \\\i\x  large  markings,  often  confluent,  of  dirty 
brown;  1.10  -j-  1.75  to  1.15  -{■  1.85.  Breeds  along  the  coast 
of  Alaska,  from  Kadiack  to  Norton  Sound. 

74.  Least  Tern,  Sterna  untillarnm.  (Type,  Plate  II.) 
Eggs,  o  or  4  in  the  North,  2  or  3  in  the  South,  oval,  varying 
from  white  to  buff,  blot<;hed  and  spotted  with  brown,  umber, 
and  lilac,  of  many  shades,  with  an  occasional  tinge  of  lilac; 
.75  -}-  1.00  to  .90  -\-  1.30.  Known  at  once  by  small  si/e,  light 
color  and  oval  form.  Nest  placed  on  the  rocks  or  on  sand. 
Breeds  throughout  Northern  South  Ameriea,  West  Indies, 
along  the  coast  of  North  America,  to  California.  Eggs  laid  in 
the  Bahamas  and  in  Florida,  early  in  May;  in  Virginia,  in 
June ;  in  Massachusetts,  not  until  the  first  week  in  July. 


■fii 


f 


12 


EGOS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  UIRD8. 


75.  Sooty  Tkhs,  Interna  fuliffinosa.  (Type,  Plate  III.)  P^ggs, 
1,  oval,  white,  spotted  with  rounded  markini^s  of  reddish  brown 
and  lilac;  1.45  +  1.95  to  1.50 -f  2.00.  Eggs  placed  on  the 
rocks,  in  a  nest  of  soa-weed.  Known  by  the  peculiar  tinge  of 
the  ground-color.  Breeds  in  tropical  and  sub-tropical  regions 
of  North  America,  on  the  Tortugas,  and  on  the  Bahamas,  early 
in  May. 

76.  BmnLKD  Tern,  Sterna  anmthetua.  Eggs,  1,  oval,  rather 
whiter  than  those  of  No.  75,  and  more  finely  spotted,  on  the 
average,  and  smaller  in  size ;  1.35  -f- 1-85  to  140  -\- 1.90.  Eggs 
placed  beneath  rocks,  no  nests.  Known  from  No.  75  by  the 
smaller  size.  Extralimital ;  breeds  in  tropical  regions  and  the 
Bahamas,  late  in  May.  The  bird  occurs  casually  in  Florida, 
but  does  not  breed  there. 

77.  Black  Tern,  Hydrochelidon  nigra  surinamensis.  (Type, 
Plate  II.)  Eggs,  3  or  4,  varying  from  greenish  to  brown, 
spotted  and  blotched  with  irregular  markings  of  brown  and 
umber  or  lilac;  .90 -|- 1.25  to  1.00  +  1.40.  Placed  on  the 
ground.  Known  by  the  dark  color  and  small  size.  Breeds 
from  Middle  United  States,  northward. 

78.  Whitk-winged  Black  Tern,  ITydrochdidon  leucoptera. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  77.  Extralimital; 
breeds  throughout  the  Eastern  Hemisphere.  One  specimen  of 
the  bird  taken  in  Wisconsin. 

79.  Noddy  Tern,  Anom  stolidus.  Eggs,  1,  oval,  buff, 
spotted  and  blotched  with  paler  brown  and  lilac;  1.42  +  1.80 
to  1.52  +  2.00.  Nests  composed  of  weeds,  and  placed  on 
rocks  or  bushes.  Breeds  in  tropical  and  sub-tropical  regions, 
in  May. 

80.  Black  Skimmer,  Mynchops  7iigra.  (Type,  Plate  II.) 
Eggs,  3  or  4,  oval  or  spherical,  white  or  yellowish,  boldly  and 
handsomely  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  umber  and 
lilac ;  1.35  + 1.65  to  1.40  + 1.98.  Known  at  once  by  the  bold 
marking  and  white  ground-color.  Breeds  from  the  coast  of 
Virginia,  southward,  through  the  warmer  parts  of  America,  in 
June.    Eggs  placed  on  the  sand. 


BOGS   OF   NORTH   AMERICAN  ItlRDH. 


IS 


ORDER  III.— TUBIN ARES.  Tube-nosed  Swimmers. 

Birds  of  this  order  invariably  breed  on  islands,  usually  re- 
mote from  the  mainland. 

Eggs,  white,  and  seldom  spotted. 

Family  VI.  — DIOMEDEID^.     Albatrossks. 

Large  birds,  M'hich  seldom,  if  ever,  approach  the  shore  of  the 
mainland,  keeping  well  out  at  sea. 

81.  Bla(;k-bootku  Alhatross,  Diomedea  nigripes.  Eggs, 
unknown.  Occurs  in  North  Pacific,  on  the  west  coast  of  North 
America. 

82.  Short-tailed  Alhatross,  Diomedea  albatrua.  Eggs, 
1,  oval,  with  the  ends  rounded,  dull  white  ;  2.50  -|-  3.95  to  2.60 
-\-  4.00.  Breeds  on  the  Pacific  islands.  Occurs  in  the  Pacific 
Ocean,  northward,  to  Bering's  Strait,  including  the  Western 
coast  of  America. 

83.  Yellow-nosed  Aluatross,  Thalaasogeron  culminatus. 
Eggs,  unknown.  Breeds  in  the  Indian  and  South  Pacific 
Oceana.    Casual  off  the  coast  of  Oregon. 

84.  Sooty  Albatross,  P/uebetria  fiiliginosa.  Eggs,  1, 
white,  spotted  on  one  end ;  shell  thin  and  smooth ;  3.95  -|- 
2.60  to  3.95  -f-  2.64.  Breeds  in  the  Southern  Ocean,  in  Novem- 
ber, in  caves.  Occurs  in  the  oceans  of  the  Southern  Hemis- 
phere, northward,  to  the  coast  of  Oregon. 


:'.43 


Ill 


Family  VII.  —  PROCELLARITMiE. 

WATKRS. 


Fulmars  and  Sheab- 


Also  birds  of  the  ocean,  but  rather  more  often  seen  near 
land  than  the  Albatross.     Size  alone  distinccuishes  their  eGjsjs. 

85.  Giant  Fulmar,  Ossifraga  gigantea.  Egcrs,  1,  elliptical, 
dirty  white,  shell  rough;  2.6G  -}-  4.25  to  2.70  -j-  2.30.  Breeds 
and  occurs  in  the  Indian  Ocean.  Casual  off  the  coast  of 
Oregon. 


14 


KddS  OF  MOUTH  AMERICAS  HIRDS. 


'. 


?3.  FuLMAii,  FulmarnH  fflacutlin.  Egi^s,  1,  white,  dliptical; 
2.00  -|-  tJ.7r.  to  'J.Of)  -}-  'J.HO.  K^'gs  placed  on  cliffs.  Brredt 
on  the  iKlandK  in  tiie  North  Atlantic. 

86a.  LussKit  FuKMAit,  Fulmarua  ylacialis  minor.  Ej^gs, 
indistii)<^ui8habl('  from  those  of  No.  86.  Breeds  on  itilandH  in 
the  North  Atlantic,  on  cliffs. 

86/>.  l*A(;ii''u;  Fui.MAit,  Fulmarua  glacialis  f/fiipischa.  Ej^gs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  86.  Occurs  in  the  North 
Pacitic. 

86c.  Kodoer's  FuLMAii,  Fulmarus  glacialis  rod<jersi\. 
Eirgs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  86.  OciMirs  iu 
Bering's  Sea. 

87.  SLENDKn-BiLLED  FuLMAR,  Fulmarus  glacialoules.  Eggs, 
unknown.  Occurs  in  sens  of  Southern  Hemisphere,  along  the 
Pacific  coast  of  North  America. 

88.  Cory's  Shearwater,  Pnffinua  borealis.  Eggs,  un- 
known. Breeding-place  not  known.  Occurs  off  the  coast  of 
Massachusetts. 

09.  Greater  Shearwater,  Puffinua  major.  Eggs,  1, 
white;  1.85 -|- 2.75  to  2.00 -f  5.88.  Occurs  off  tho  Atlantic 
coast  of  North  America,  and  southward,  to  Cape  Plorn  and 
Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

90.  Manx  Shearwater,  Puffimia  puffimia.  Eggs,  pure 
white;  1.75  -}-  2.42  to  1.81  -f-  2.45;  [)laced  in  holes  of  rocks. 
Breeds  in  the  Shetland  Islands,  and,  in  one  instance,  in  the 
Bermudas.     Occurs  in  the  North  Atlantic,  and  in  Greenland. 

91.  PiNK-FOOTEi)  Shearwater,  Pnffinus  creatopus.  Eggs, 
unknown.  Occurs  in  Pacific  Ocean,  from  off  the  coast  of 
Lower  California  to  Juan  Fernandez  Island. 

92.  Ai'dukon's  Shearwater,  Puffinus  auduboni.  Eggs,  1, 
rather  oval,  white,  inclined  to  creamy,  shell  not  especially  brit- 
tle and  r.-vther  smooth;  1.40  +  2.00  to  1.45  +  2.05.  Eggs 
placed  in  caves  or  holes.  Breeds  in  the  Bermudas  and  Baha- 
mas on  the  const,  the  last  week  of  March.  Occurs  on  the 
coast,  from  New  Jersey  southwaid. 


Kuas  OF  NORTll   A.MEIUCAN   BtUDS. 


15 


m.     HlA(  K-VK.NTKU     SllKAUWATKl^     PuffinuS     f/aOXa,       El,'g8, 

unknown.  Occurs  in  tlu-  Pacific  Ocean,  aud  on  the  coftHt  of 
Lower  Culifornia. 

94.  Sooty  Siii:akwatki{,  I'ufiuus  struklaudi.  Ej^gs,  "»- 
known.  Occurs  in  the  North  Atlantic,  southward,  on  the 
Anu'rican  coast,  to  South  Carolina. 

Of).    DaIIK-IIODIICO  SllKAKWATKIt,  I'vffinUH  tjriscHS.      Ki;g8,  1, 

wliite;  2.00  +  2.3.')  to  2.10  -\-  2.40.  Occurs  in  the  South  Par 
cilic,  northward,  to  tlic  coast  of  Lower  California. 

96.  Slk.ndeimiillko  Siikarwatek,  Pufjlmis  temiirostria. 
Esrus.  unknown.  Occurs  in  tlic  North  Pacific,  on  the  Ameri- 
can  coast,  from  Sitka  to  Kotxcbuo  Sound. 

97.  Hr.ACK-TAiLEU  SiiKAKWATKK,  Piiffinus  ciuereus.  Eggs, 
unknown.  Occurs  in  the  South  Pacific ;  accidental  off  tlio  coast 
of  California. 

98.  Black-cappk"  Petkel,  uHJstrelata  hasitata.  Egi^s,  un- 
known. Occurs  in  tho  warmer  parts  of  the  Atlantic  Ocean ; 
accidental  in  Florida,  Long  Island,  England,  and  France. 

99.  Peale's  Petkei-,  ^strelata  gularis.  Eggs,  unknown. 
Occurs  in  the  Antarctic  Ocean. 

99a.  Scaled  Petuel,  ^strelala  scalaris.  Eggs,  unknown. 
A  single  specimen  of  this  new  species  was  taken  in  the  interior 
of  New  York  State.  Described  by  Mr.  William  Brewster,  in 
the  "Auk,"  July,  1886. 

100.  Fisher's  Petrel, -<^s<re/«<a  _^s/it;"/.  Eggs,  unknown. 
Occurs  on  the  coast  of  Alaska. 

lOL  Bulwer's  Petrel,  liulweria  bidweri.  Eggs,  white, 
oblong  oval;  1.17  -}-  1.59  to  L20  -f-  1.76;  placed  in  burrows. 
Occurs  in  the  Eastern  Atlantic ;  accidental  in  Greenland. 

102.  Pi.NTADO  Petrel,  Daption  capensis.  Eggs,  unknown. 
Occurs  in  the  Southern  Hemisphere,  northward,  to  about  lati- 
tude 25° ;  accidental  on  the  coast  of  California  and  England. 

103.  Least  Petrel,  Halocyptena  microsoma.  Eggs*  un- 
known.   Occurs  on  the  coast  of  Lower  California. 


•1 
III 


i 


,=: ; 


V 


ffr 


I     J   •     iS 


ii'li  i 

r 


i   ^ 


(     i 


JtiiBl 


16 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


104.  Stormy  Petrel,  Procellaria  pelagica.  Eggs,  1,  white, 
elliptical,  sparingly  spotted  with  reddish  on  the  large  end; 
.80  -{-  1.13  to  .85  -|-  l.ir».  Occurs  in  tJie  Atlantic  Ocean ;  on 
the  American  side,  on  the  south  Banks  of  Newfoundland,  and 
along  the  west  coast  of  Europe  and  Western  Africa. 

105.  Fork-tailed  Petrel,  Oceanodroma  furcata.  Eggs, 
oval,  dirty,  chalky  white ;  1.00  +  1.35  to  1.03  -f- 1.40.  Occurs 
in  the  North  Pacific,  southward,  on  the  American  coast,  to 
Oregon.  Breeds  in  Alaska  and  on  the  Aleutian  Islands,  in 
June. 

106.  League's  Petrel,  Oceanodroraa  kucorhoa.  (Type, 
Plate  II.)  Eggs,  1,  white,  often  spotted  with  minute  dots  of 
reddish  on  larger  red,  often  forming  a  ring;  .90  -|-  1.25  to  1.00 
-|-  1.35.  Eggs  placed  in  holes  dug  by  the  bird.  Breeds  from 
Maine  and  the  Hebrides,  northwai'd,  on  the  coast,  and  on 
islands  of  the  Pacific. 

107.  Black  Petrel,  Oceanodroma  melania.  Eggs,  un- 
known. Occurs  in  South  Pacific,  northward,  to  Lower  Cali- 
fornia. 

108.  Ashy  Petrel,  Ocemiodro^na  homochroa.  Eggs,  un- 
known.    Occurs  on  the  coast  of  California. 

109.  Wilson's  Petrel,  Oceonites  oceanicus.  Eggs,  un- 
known. Occui's  in  the  North  Atlantic  and  Southern  Oceans, 
but  does  not  breed  on  the  coast. 

110.  White-bellied  Petrel,  Cymodroma  grallaria.  Oc- 
curs in  tropical  oceans ;  accidental  on  the  coast  of  Florida. 

111.  Wiiite-kaoed  Petrel,  Pelarjodroma  marina.  Eggs, 
unknown.  Occurs  in  the  south  Atlantic  and  Southern  Oceans; 
casual  off  the  coast  of  Massachusetts. 


EGGS  OF  liOUrn  AMERICAN  BIBD8. 


17 


W: 


ORDER  IV.  —  STEGANOPODES.    Totipalmate 

Swimmers. 

The  eggs  of  these  birds  are  usually  covered  with  a  chalky 
deposit. 

Family  VIII.  —  PPIAETHONTID^.    Tropic  Bifus. 

Eggs  but  little  chalky,  colored,  and  deposited  ii/  holes  of 
rocks. 

112.  Yellow-billed  Tropic  Bird,  Phaethon  fiamrostria. 
(Type,  Plate  II.)  Eggs,  1,  oval,  chalky,  white,  and  so  thickly 
covered  with  spots  and  blotches  of  reddish  chocolate  as  nearly 
to  obscure  the  ground-color ;  there  are  no  other  American  eggs 
similar  to  these,  excepting  those  of  No.  113;  1.50 -f- 2.15  to 
1.60  -f-  2.25.  Breeds  in  the  Bahimas,  Bermudas,  and  West 
Indies,  in  May.  The  bird  occurs  riirely  in  Florida,  and  occa- 
sionally further  north. 

113.  Red-billed  Tropic  Bird,  Phaethon  cethereus.  Eggs, 
1,  elliptical,  creamy  white,  with  a  purplish  tinge,  thickly 
speckled  with  claret-brown  ;  1.20  +  2.23  to  1.55  -f-  2.30.  Oc- 
curs on  the  coasts  of  tropical  America,  northward,  on  the 
Pav^ific,  to  Lower  California ;  accidental  on  the  Banks  of  New- 
foundland. 

Family  IX.  — SULIDJE.    Gannets. 

Eggs  deposited  on  cliffs ;  when  frosh,  bluish  green,  covered 
with  a  chalky  deposit.  Size  alono  distinguishes  the  species. 
Known  by  the  bluish  greon  shell-color. 

114.  Blue-faced  Boody,  iSula  cyanops.  Eggs,  1,  white; 
1.70  +  2.45  to  1.75-1-2.55.  Occurs  in  the  West  Indies,  and  north- 
ward, to  Southern  Florida.     Breeds  in  December  and  January. 

115.  BooDV,  Sula  sida.  Eggs,  I  or  2,  oval;  1.50 -}- 2.15 
to  1.58  -j-  2.65.  Eggs  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  nest  of  sea- 
weed.    Breeds  in  the  Bahamas  and  on  the  coasts  of  tropical 


it 


1 

1 . 

1 

1 

n 

I 

w 


mm 


ill 


ir' 


18 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMElilCAN  BIRDS. 


and  sub-tropical  America.    Occurs  in  Florida;  accidental  as 
far  northward  as  Massachusetts.     Known  by  the  small  size. 

116.  Red-footed  Booby,  Sula  piscator.  Eggs  similar  to 
those  of  No.  115.  Breeds  on  the  coasts  and  islands  of  tropi- 
cal and  sub-tropicul  seas ;  accidental  as  far  nortl  as  Mexico  and 
Florida. 

117.  Gannet,  Sula  bassana.  Eggs,  1  or  2,  oval;  1.84 -|- 
3.00  to  2.10  4-  3.30.  Eggs  placed  on  clifts  in  a  huge  nest  of 
seaweed.  Breeds  from  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  and  British 
Isles,  northward,  on  both  sides  of  the  Atlantic.  Known  by  the 
large  size.    Breeds  in  May. 

Family  X.     ANHINGID^.    Dabth-hs. 

Eggs  bluish,  covered,  when  fresh,  with  a  white  chalky  de- 
posit. 

1\%.  AsmsQK^Anhingaanhinga.  (Type,  Plate  III.)  Eggs, 
3  to  5,  oval ;  1.15  -f  2.15  to  1.25  -)-  2.25.  Distinguished  by  the 
small  size  and  pale  bluish  color.  Breeds  in  Florida,  and  north- 
ward, to  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio  river,  in  April. 

Family  XI.  —  PHALACROCORACID^.    Cormorants. 

Eggs  oval  and  chalky,  as  in  the  preceding,  but  of  a  deeper 
bluish  green  color. 

119.  Cormorant,  PJialacrocorax  carbo.  Eggs,  3  or  4; 
1.65  -j-  2.60  to  1.75  -}-  2.60.  Breeds  from  Gulf  of  St.  Law- 
rence, northward,  late  in  May. 

120.  DouiJLK-cRESTED  CoRMORANT,  PkalaiTocordx  (filophus. 
Eggs,  3  or  4;  1.35  -f-  2.25  to  1.50  -|-  2.50;  placed  on  cliffs,  in 
a  rough  nest,  made  of  seaweeds,  etc.  Breeds  from  the  Bay  of 
Fundy,  northward,  along  the  eastern  coast,  and  in  the  interior 
to  the  Great  Lakes  and  Wisconsin. 

120a.  Florida  Cormorant,  PJialacrocorax  dilophus  flori- 
damis.  Eggs  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  120.  Breeds 
along  the  Gulf  coast,  northward,  and  in  the  Mississippi  valley. 


"^LATr    I, I 


\ 


f  ■!.>»!  8 


-3H 


"*^-'mk*:. 


"V 


/' 


C.J.M. 


1   W-  '« 


I  1 
ft 


I 


■     1    M 
:              1 

1   i  '  1 

V-            1 

f '  i  J 

EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


19 


to  Soiithein  Illinois,  in  April ;  in  the  northern  section,  a  little 
later. 

1206.  Whitk-cjrested  Cormorant,  Phalacrocorax  dilophus 
cincinatus.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  120. 
Breeds  on  the  northwestern  coast  of  North  America. 

120c.  Farallone  Cormorant,  Phalacrocorax  dilophus  albo- 
dliatus.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  120. 
Breeds  on  the  coast  of  California,  southward,  to  Cape  St. 
Lucas. 

121.  Mexican  Cormorant,  jPAatocrocoraai  7n«rtcanw«.  Eggs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  120.  Breeds  in  the  West 
Indies,  Bahamas  (?),  South  and  Central  America,  to  Southern 
United  States,  and  in  the  interior  in  Kansas  and  Southern 
Illinois. 

122.  Brandt's  Cormorant,  Phalacrocorax  penicillatus. 
Eggs,  1.60  -}-  2.55  to  1.65  -|-  2.60.  Nests  placed  on  clifts. 
Breeds  on  the  Pacific  coast,  from  Cape  St.  Lucas  to  Washing- 
ton Territory. 

123.  Pelagic  Cormorant,  Phalacrocorax  pelagicus.  Eggs, 
1.45  -|-  2.25  to  1.50  +  2.50.  Breeds  on  the  Aleutian  and  Ku- 
rile  Islands,  and  in  Kamtschatka. 

123ffl.  Violet-green  Cormorant,  Phalacrocorax  pelagicus 
rohustus.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  123. 
Breeds  on  the  coast  of  Alaska,  Norton  Sound,  and  Sitka. 

1236.  Baird's  Cormorant,  Phalacrocorax  pelagicus  res- 
plendens.  Eggs  similar  to  those  of  No.  12^.  -reeds  on  the 
Pacific  coast  of  North  America,  from  Wasliington  Territory  to 
Cape  St.  Lucas. 

124.  Red-faced  Cormorant,  Phalacrocorax  nrile.  Eggs, 
2;  1.50  +  2.30  to  1.55  +  2.35.  Breeds  on  the  Prybiloff  and 
Aleutian  Islands,  and  on  the  coast  of  Kanitscliatka,  in  Juno. 


m 


if! 


'! 


Family  XII.  —  PELECANID^.    Pelicans. 

Eggs,  oval,  yellowish  white,  covered  with  a  chalky  incrusta- 
tion, obscui'ing  the  green  in  the  ground-color ;  distinguishable 


! :  I 


I ' 


ill 


h;  Hi 

]! 

|i  i 

i! 


M. 


I'll! 


Mli 


20 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


from  those  of  allied  families  by  the  greenish  hues  and  large 
size. 

125.  American  "White  Pelican,  Pelecanus  erythrorhynchoa. 
Eggs,  1  or  2 ;  2.20  -f  3.15  to  2.35  -\-  3.20.  Breeds  from  Utah, 
northward,  in  the  interior. 

126.  Brown  Pelican,  Pelecanus  fuscus.  Eggs,  1  or  2; 
1.80  +  2.80  to  2.15  -f  3.10 ;  laid  in  rough  nests  made  of 
sticks,  placed  on  the  ground  or  in  trees.  Breeds  in  tropical  and 
sub-tropical  America,  the  Bahamas,  and  Florida,  in  April. 

127.  California  Brown  Pelican,  Pelecanus  califomiciis. 
Eggs,  probably  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  126. 
Breeds  on  the  Pacific  coast,  from  San  Francisco  to  Cape  St. 
Lucas. 

Family  XIII.  —  FREGATID^.    Man-o'-War  Birds. 

Eggs  not  as  chalky  as  the  preceding,  more  elliptical,  and  the 
shell  is  more  fragile. 

128.  Man-o'-War  Bird,  Fregata  aquila.  Eggs,  1  or  2; 
2.00  +  2.80  to  2.11  4-  2.85.  Nests,  of  sticks,  placed  on  the 
ground  or  in  trees.  Breeds  on  tropical  and  sub-tropical  coasts, 
the  Bahamas,  Florida  Keys,  and  Texas,  from  January  to  May. 


ORDER  v.  — ANSERES.    Lamellirostral  Swim- 
mers. 

Eggs  somewhat  variable  in  ground-color,  but  they  are  usually 
plain,  few  being  spotted. 

Family  XIV.  —  ANATID^.    Ducks,  Geese,  and  Swans. 

The  shells  of  the  eggs  are  smooth,  the  color  dull  brown, 
greenish,  or  white.  The  nests  are  made  of  grass  and  weeds, 
often  lined  with  down,  and  placed  on  the  ground,  or  in  holes 
•wf  trees. 

129.  American  Merganser,  Merganser  americanus.    Eggs, 


(il 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


21 


6  to  10,  oval,  pale  buff;  1.80  +  2.80  to  1.70  -}- 2.75 ;  known  by 
the  form  and  color.  Placed  in  holes  of  trees.  Breeds  from 
Northern  United  States  northward. 

130.  ItED-BRF.ASTEr)MKRGAT!fSERf  Merganser  serrator.  (Type, 
Plate  III.)  Eggs,  6  to  12,  elongated,  oval,  smooth,  deep  greenish 
brown;  1.70  +  2.50  to  1.75  +  2.60;  known  by  the  oval  form 
and  deep  brown  color.  Breeds  throughout  the  Northern  Hemi- 
sphere ;  on  the  coast  of  P^.istorn  North  America,  from  the  Gulf 
of  St.  Lawrence,  north,  in  June.     Nests  placed  on  the  ground. 

131.  Hooded  Merganser,  Lophodytes  cucullatus.  Eggs, 
6  to  10,  very  smooth,  rather  spherical,  white ;  1.70  -j-  2.10  to 
\.1L  -\-  2.15 ;  known  by  the  white  polished  surface  and  spher- 
ical form.  Breeds  throughout  the  wilder  portions  of  North 
America. 

132.  Mallard,  Anas  boschas.  Eggs,  elliptical,  smooth, 
greenish  brown,  not  dark;  1.40  -f-  2.25  to  1.70  -\-  2.35;  known 
by  the  size  and  brownish  color.  Breeds  from  Northern 
United  States  northward. 

133.  Black  Duck,  Anas  ohscura.  Eggs,  6  to  10,  elliptical, 
smooth,  rather  greenish;  1.40  -j-  2.25  to  1.75  -{-  2.35.  Breeds 
througliout  Eastern  North  America,  between  Labrador  and 
Massachusetts,  westward,  to  L^tah.  Known  by  the  size  and 
greenish  color.     Nests  placed  the  ground,  in  marshy  places. 

184.  Florida  Duck,  Anas  fulvigida.  Eggs,  6  to  8,  oval, 
smooth,  dusky  greenish ;  1.35 -j- 2.20  to  1.70 -j- 2.30;  known 
by  the  small  size  and  greenish  color.  Nests  placed  on  the 
ground,  in  marshy  places.  Breeds  in  Florida,  in  that  ])art  of 
the  country  which  lies  between  Mosquito  Lagoon  and  Lidiau 
River,  and  on  Merritt's  Island  and  the  west  coast,  in  April. 

135.  Gadwall,  Anas  strepera.  E^vts,  G  to  10,  elliptical, 
smooth,  greenish  buff;  1.40  -|-  2.00  to  1.50  -f-  2.05;  placed  on 
the  jrround.  Known  bv  the  larG;e  size  and  green  color.  Breeds 
throughout  the  Western  United  States,  in  April. 

136.  WiDGEOX,  Anas  penelope.  Eggs,  5  to  8,  oval,  smooth, 
creamy  buff;  1.40  -}-  2.20  to  1.50  -f  2.30;  known  by  the  size, 


'tl 


ij  I  m 


1 
' 


■f 

I 


i  \ 


Mi- 


M 


i 


22 


EGGS   OF  NORTH  AMEUICAN  BlliD8. 


form,  and  }»alo  color.  Breeds  throughout  the  nortliern  portion 
of  the  Old  World,  and  in  the  Aleutian  Islands.  This  bird 
occurs  rarely  in  the  Eastern  United  States. 

137.  Balupate,  Ayias  americana.  Eggs,  6  to  10,  elliptical, 
smooth,  brownish  buff;  1.30 -j- 2.00  to  1.50 -j- 2.10  ;  known  from 
No.  136  by  the  bi'own  color.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground. 
Breeds  in  the  more  northern  portion  of  North  America,  in 
April  and  May. 

138.  European  Teal,  Anas  crecca.  Eggs,  6  to  8,  elliptical, 
smooth,  pale  buff;  1.20  4-1.80  to  1.25 -f  1.95;  known  by 
the  small  size  and  pale  buff.  Breeds  in  the  northern  parts  of 
the  Old  World ;  casual  in  Eastern  North  America. 

139.  Green-winged  Teal,  Anas  carolinensis.  Eggs,  6  to 
10,  elliptical,  smooth,  pale  brownish  buff;  1.25  -\-  1.85  to  1.30 
-)-  1.90 ;  known  by  the  small  size  and  pale  color,  not  to  be 
readily  distinguished  from  those  of  No.  138.  Nests,  well  lined 
with  down,  placed  on  the  ground,  near  water.  Breeds  from 
Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  northward,  early  ii  June. 

140.  Blue-winged  Teal,  Anas  discors.  Eggs,  6  to  10, 
elliptical,  deep  brownish  buff;  1.30  +  1.90  to  1.35 -f  1.95. 
Nests  placed  on  the  ground.  Breeds  from  the  Northern 
United  States  northward. 

141.  CiNNAJioN  Teal,  Anas  cyanoptera.  (Type,  Plate  III.) 
Eg^,'s,  6  to  10,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  140.  Breeds 
throughout  Western  America,  from  Columbia  River  to  Pata- 
gonia, in  May. 

142.  Shoveller,  Spatula  clypeata.  Eggs,  6  to  10,  oval, 
pale  ashy  green;  1.45 -|- 2.05  to  1.50 -|- 2.10;  known  by  the 
small  size  and  gretMi  color.  Nests  placed  on  tlie  ground. 
Breeds  throughout  Western  America,  from  Alaska  to  Texas. 

143.  Pintail,  Dafila  acuta.  Eggs,  6  to  10,  elliptical, 
smooth,  greenish  brown;  1.50  -j-  2.10  to  1.55  to  2.30;  known 
by  the  color  and  size.  Breeds  from  Northern  United  States 
northward,  in  May. 

144.  Wood  Duck,  Aix  sponsa.    Eggs,  6  to  10,  elliptical. 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMEUWAN   HIIWS. 


28 


Brauoth,  pale  brown  ;  1.05  -\-  1.55  to  1.15  to  1.(55.  Nests  placed 
in  holes  of  trees.  Ureeds  throughout  temperate  North  Amer- 
ica, from  May  to  June. 

145.  Ul  t'ous  CuESTKD  Duck,  I^litla  ruJiHa.  Eggs,  not  dis- 
similar  to  those  of  No.  14G.  Occurs  in  the  Eastern  Hemis- 
phere; accidental  in  the  Eastern  United  States. 

146.  lii:iniK\D,  Ay  thy  a  americaiia.  Eggs,  6  to  10;  ellipti- 
cal, quite  smooth,  creamy  white;  1.65  -\-  2.20  to  1.75  -\-  2.30; 
known  by  the  creamy  white  color  and  large  size.  Nests  placed 
on  the  ground.  Breeds  throughout  North  America,  from  Cal- 
ifornia and  Maine,  northward. 

147.  Canvas-back,  Aythya  valUsneria.  Eggs,  6  to  10,  el- 
liptical, smooth,  ashy  green;  1.70 -|- 2.50  to  1.75 -(-2.55; 
known  from  those  of  No.  146  by  the  green  color  and  larger  size. 
Breeds  throughout  the  Northwestern  States,  northward,  to 
Alaska. 

148.  American  Scaup  Duck,  Aythya  marila  nearctica. 
Eggs,  6  to  10,  elliptical,  smooth,  greenish,  1.70  -j-  2.36  to  1.75 
-|-  2.50.  Breeds  in  the  far  northern  regions  of  North  America, 
in  M.ay  and  June. 

149.  Lesser  Scaup  Duck,  Aythya  affinis.  Eggs,  indistin- 
guishable in  form  and  color  from  those  of  No.  148,  but  smaller; 
1.60  -f-  2.25  to  1.65  -{-  2.30.  Breeds  throughout  North  Amer- 
ica, north  of  the  United  States,  in  May  and  June. 

150.  Ring-necked  Duck,  Aythya  collaris.  Eggs,  6  to  10; 
indistincruishable  from  those  of  No.  149.  Breeds  in  the  ex- 
treme  northern  portion  of  North  America. 

151.  American  Golden-eye,  Glaucionetta  clangula  ameri- 
cana.  Eggs,  6  to  10,  elliptical,  smooth,  greenish;  1.75  4-2.35 
to  1.80 -j- 2.40;  placed  in  holes  of  trees.  Known  from  all  but 
those  of  No.  152  by  the  dee])  greenish  color  and  size.  Breeds 
from  ]\Iaine  northward,  in  May. 

152.  Barroav's  Golden-eye,  Glaucionetta  islandica.  Eggs, 
not  to  be  distinguished  from  those  of  No.  151,  and  breeding 
habits  similar.     Breeds  from  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  northward; 


ii  *i 


t  '''!■ 


^1       i 


24 


E008  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


P  ,> 


southward,  in  the  Rocky  Mountains,  to  Colorado,  and  in  Green- 
land  and  Iceland. 

153.  BuFFLE-iiBAD,  ChaHtonetta  alheola.  Eggs,  6  to  12, 
elliptical,  smooth,  greenish  buff;  1.25 -j- 1.75  to  1.50  4-2.03. 
Known  by  the  buff  tinge,  and  small  size.  Nests  placed  in  trees. 
Breeds  from  Maine  northward. 

164.  Old  Squaw,  Clangula  hyemalis.  Eggs,  0  to  10, 
elliptical,  smooth,  greenish ;  1.50-}- 2.10  to  1,55 -[-2.15.  Nests 
placed  on  the  ground.  Breeds  far  north,  in  the  Northern  Hem- 
isphere. 

155.  Harlequin  Duck,  Histrionictts  histrioniciis.  Eggs, 
6  to  10,  elliptical,  smooth,  greenish  yellow ;  1.30  -|-  2.00  to  1.50 
-|-  2.10 ;  known  by  the  yellowish  green  color  and  size.  Nests 
placed  in  holes  of  trees.  Breeds  from  Newfoundland,  the 
northern  Rocky  Mountains,  and  the  Sierra  Nevada,  northward, 
and  in  Iceland. 

156.  Labrador  Duck,  Camptolaimus  Idbradorius.  Eggs 
have  never  been  described.  Formerly  breeding  from  Labrador, 
northward,  but  probably  now  extinct. 

157.  Steller's  Duck,  Miiconetta  stelleri.  Eggs,  no  identi- 
fied specimens  in  collection.  Breeds  on  Arctic  coasts  of  the 
Northern  Hemisphere. 

158.  Spectacled  Eider,  Arctonetta  fisheri.  Eggs,  ellipti- 
cal, pale  olive  gray ;  1.55  -|-  2.35  to  1.85  -\-  2.50.  Breeds  along 
the  coast  of  Alaska,  northAvard,  to  Point  Barrow. 

159.  Eider,  Somateria  mollissima.  Eggs,  6  to  10,  elliptical, 
smooth,  greenish,  sometimes  blotched  with  darker ;  1.98  -|-  2.82 
to  2.10 -|- 32.0.  Known  by  the  large  size.  Nests  placed  on  the 
rocks.  Breeds  throughout  the  coasts  of  Northern  Europe  and 
North-eastern  North  America,  southward,  to  Labrador. 

160.  American  Eider,  Somateria  dresseri.  Eggs,  6  to  10, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  159.  Breeds  from  Maine 
to  Labrador,  in  May. 

161.  Pacific  Eider,  A^oma^ena  u nigra.  Eggs,  similar  to 

those  of  No.  162.    Breeds  on  the  coast  of  the  Northern  Pacific, 


EGG8  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  RIRDS. 


25 


in  the  interior  of  the  Great  Slave  Lake  District,  and  in  Eastern 
Siberia. 

162.  Kino  Eider,  Somateria  spectabilis.  Eggs,  6  to  10, 
elliptical,  smooth,  dirty  green;  1.75 -f  2.60  to  1.60 -f  2.65. 
Breeds  in  the  Arctic  region  of  the  Northern  Hemisphere. 

163.  American  Scoter,  Oidemia  americana.  Eggs,  6  to 
10,  rather  oval,  smooth,  pale  yellow;  1.00-4-2.00  to  1.05 -|- 
2.05.  Nests  on  the  rocks.  Breeds  in  Labrador  and  the  north- 
em  interior,  in  May. 

164.  Velvet  Scoter,  Oidemia  fusca..  Eggs,  6  to  8,  oval, 
soiled  creamy;  1.80 -f- 2.60  to  1.85  +  2.65.  Extralimital ; 
Noithem  Old  World ;  accidental  in  Greenland  and  Alaska. 

165.  White-wixgbd  Scoter,  Oidemia  deglandi.  Eggs,  6  to 
12,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  164.  Breeds  in  Labra- 
dor and  the  fur  countries,  in  May. 

166.  Surf  Scoter,  Oidemia  perspiciUata.  Eggs,  6  to  10, 
elliptical,  greenish  buff;  1.60-}- 2.25  to  1.65-^-2.30.  Breeds 
from  Labrador,  northward,  and  on  the  northern  inland  waters, 
in  May. 

167.  Ruddy  Duck,  Erismatura  rubida.  Eggs,  5  to  8,  ellip- 
tical, roughened  conspicuously,  buff;  1.80 -|- 2.30  to  1.85-}- 
2.55.  Breeds  throughout  North  America,  in  suitable  locations, 
in  April  and  May. 

168.  Masked  Duck,  Nbmonyx  dominicus.  I  have  never 
seen  the  eggs  of  this  species,  nor  a  description  of  them. 
Extralimital;  tropical  America;  accidental  in  Eastern  North 
America. 

169.  Lesser  Snow  Goose,  Chen  hyperborea.  Eggs,  oval, 
dirty  chalky  white;  2.18 -}- 3.38  to  2.25 -}- 3.45.  Breeds  in 
Alaska,  late  in  May. 

169a.  Greater  Snow  Goose,  Chen  hyperborea  nivalis. 
Eggs,  5  to  10,  elliptical,  yellowish  white;  1.90  -f  2.80  to  2.00 
-\-  3.00.    Breeds  in  the  far  north,  late  in  M.ay. 

170.  Ross's  Snow  Goose,  Chen  rossii.  Eggs,  unknown. 
Breeds  in  Arctic  America. 


I 


n 


I  I 

l\ ; 

26 


EGG8  OF  NOliTU  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


!■    ■ 


171.  WiiiTK-FRONTKD  Goosic,  Auser  albifrons.  Eggs,  6  to 
10,  elliptical,  yoliowish  white;  2.05 -|- 2.95  to  2.10 -|- 3.20. 
BreedH  in  the  far  north,  in  May. 

171«.  Amkuican  Whitk-kkonted  Goosk,  Anser  albifrona 
ganibcli.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  171. 
BriH'drt  in  Arctic  North  America. 

172.  Canada  Goosk,  Branta  canadensis.  Eggs,  6  to  10, 
elliptical,  dirty  white  ;  2.35  +  3.40  to  2.35  -f  3.50.  Nests 
placed  on  the  ground.  Breeds  in  the  Northern  United  States 
and  British  Provinces,  in  May. 

172a.  HuTCHiNs's  Goose,  Jiranta  canadensis  hntchinaii. 
Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  172,  but  smaller;  2.00  4-2.95 
to  2.05  ~\-  3.00.  Breeds  in  the  iVrctic  regions  of  North  Amer- 
ica. 

1726.  WiiiTE-CBEEKED  GoosE,  Branta  canadensis  occiden- 
talis.  Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  172.  Breeds  in  the 
Northern  Pacific  coast  region. 

172f.  Cacki-ing  Goose,  Branta  canadensis  '^ninima.  Eggs, 
unknown.     Breeds  on  the  coast  of  Alaska. 

173.  BuANT,  Branta  bernichi.  Eggs,  6  to  10,  v^  "•cal, 
dirty  white;  1.82  -f  2.76  to  1.85  +  2.90.  Nests  placed  on  v!  "■ 
ground,  in  marshes.  Breeds  in  the  northern  portion  of  the 
Northern  Hemisphere;  in  North  America,  mainly  on  the 
Atlantic  coast,  in  June. 

174.  Black  Brant,  Branta  nigricans.  Eggs,  6  to  10.  ellip- 
tical, ivory-white;  1.80  +  2.75  to  1.85  +  2.92.  Breeds  in 
Arctic  AmericJi,  in  June. 

175.  Barxacle  Goose,  Branta  leuc(^sis.  Eggs,  6  to  8, 
elliptical,  yellowish  cream ;  1.85  +  2.75  to  1.87  +  2.87.  Extra- 
liniital;  northern  parts  of  the  Old  World;  birds  casual  in 
Eastern  North  America. 

176.  Emi'eror  Goose,  Philate  canagica.  Eggs,  elliptical, 
white ;  2.90  +  3.10  to  3.25  +  3.40.  Breeds  on  the  coasts  and 
islands  of  Alaska,  the  third  week  in  June. 

177.  Black-beu.iki>  Ti;be  Duck,  Dendrocygna  aittumnalis. 


EGOS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  IlIRDH. 


27 


Eggs,  8  to  10,  rounded  oval,  ivory-wliitr,  with  a  greenish  tinge  ; 
1.50  -f  2.00  to  1.60  -f-  '2.:{0.  Breod&  on  the  southwestern  bor- 
der of  tlie  United  Stales,  and  southward,  in  the  Bahamas  and 
West  Indies.     Nests  in  liolcs  of  trees,  in  April. 

178.  Firi,vou8  Trek  Duck,  .Dendrocijgna  J.dva.  Eggs,  10 
to  15,  not  disaimilar  to  those  of  No.  177.  Breeds  on  tlie  south- 
ern border  of  the  United  St.itcs,  and  southward. 

179.  WiiooiMNO  Swan,  Olor  ci/f/nus.  P]ggs,  6  to  10,  oval, 
dirty  wliito ;  4.30  -{-  2.90  to  4.35  -{-  2.95.  Breeds  in  Northern 
Europe,  Asia,  and  Greenland. 

180.  Wiii.sTLiNQ  Swan,  Olor  columhianus.  Eggs,  0  to  10, 
oval,  dirty  wliito ;  2.50  4-  4.00  to  2.75  -f-  4.50.  Nests  placed 
on  the  ground,  in  marshes.  Breeds  in  the  extreme  northern 
portion  of  North  America. 

181.  Trumpeter  Swan,  Olor  buccinator.  Eggs,  G  to  10, 
oval,  dirty  white ;  2.50  -f  4.30  to  2.70  +  4.50.  Breeds  in  the 
interior  of  North  America,  from  Iowa  and  Dakota,  northward ; 
west  to  the  Pacific,  but  rare  on  the  Atlantic. 


^^ 


n 


'V! 
111 


a 


ORDER  VI.  —  ODONTOGLOSS^.     Lamellirostral 

Grallatores. 

Eggs,  few  in  number,  one  or  two,  rarely  three,  covered  with 
a  chalky  incrustation. 

Nests,  composed  of  marl  or  clay,  formed  into  truncated  cones, 
on  which  the  eggs  arc  placed,  and  are  usually  situated  in  shal- 
low salt-water  lagoons,  or  near  them. 

Family  XV.  —  PIKENICOPTEKIDiE.     Flamingoes. 

Members  of  this  family  inhabit  the  tropics,  where  they  nest 
in  communities;  none  of  the  species  occur  within  our  limits 
during  the  breeding  season. 

182.  American  Flamingo,  Phoenicopterus  ruber.  Eggs, 
usually  1,  occasionally  2,  rarely  3,  long  oval,  white,  thickly  cov- 


<;l  !  l!        I 


IP  I 


28 


l-iGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


ered  with  a  clialky  incrustation.  Breeds  on  the  Bahamas, 
in  the  West  Indies,  and  tropical  America,  early  in  May.  The 
birds  occur  in  Florida.     (Type,  Plate  IV.) 


ORDER  VII.  — HERODIONES.    Herons,  Storks, 

Ibises,  etc. 

Birds  of  this  order  usually  nest  in  trees  or  bushes,  and,  with 
few  exceptions,  lay  unspotted  eggs. 

Family  XVI.  —  PLATALEID^.     Spoonbills. 

Nests,  composed  of  sticks,  and  placed  in  trees.  Eggs,  more 
or  less  spotted. 

183.  Roseate  Spoonbill,  Ajqya  ajaja.  Eggs,  2  or  3,  oval, 
ashy  white,  spotted  and  blotched  rather  sparingly  with  pale 
reddish  brown ;  1.70  -I-  2.50  to  1.75  -j-  2.60.  Breeds  in  the 
Gulf  States  and  southward,  the  Bahamas  and  West  Indies,  and 
in  Florida,  in  February  and  March, 


Family  XVII.  —  IBIDID^.    Ibises. 

Members  of  this  family  place  their  nests,  which  are  con- 
structed of  sticks,  in  trees  or  bushes.  Eggs,  either  spotted  or 
plain; 

184.  White  Ibis,  Guara  alba.  Eggs.  2  or  ?,  oval,  ashy  blue, 
spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish  brown ;  1.40  -}-  2,15  to  1.65 
2.40.    Breeds  in  the  Gulf  States  and  southward,  in  May. 

185.  ScAULET  Ibis,  Guara  rubra.  Eggs,  oblong  oval,  dull 
white,  slightly  tinged  with  reddish,  and  nearly  covered  with 
spots  of  dull  reddish  brown,  especially  on  the  larger  end ;  2.10 
-f-2,45  to  1.60  +  2.41,  Extralimital ;  breeds  in  the  West 
Indies  and  Northern  South  America,  Birds  accidental  in  the 
Gulf  States,  but  there  is  no  recent  authentic  record  of  its  oc- 
currence. 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


29 


186.  GossY  Ibis,  Plegadis  autumnalis.  Eggs,  2  or  3,  oval 
or  elliptical,  cleej>  greenish  blue,  unspotted ;  1.37  -f-  1«85  to  1.50 
-j-  2.15.  Extralimital ;  breeds  in  the  northern  portions  of  the 
Old  World.  Casual  in  the  West  Indies  and  Eastern  North 
America. 

187.  White-paced  Gloss  /  Ibis, /*/e<;a(?ts  <7«ara?«ia.  Eggs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  186.  Breeds  in  Western 
United  States,  Texas,  Florida  (where  it  is  rare).  West  Indies, 
Cuba,  Central  and  South  America,  in  April,  or  earlier  in  the 
more  southern  districts. 


■■  :   ': 


Family  XVIII.  —  CICONIID^.     Storks  and  Wood  Ibisks. 

Birds  of  this  family  place  their  nests  of  sticks  in  trees.  The 
eggs  are  either  plain  or  spotted. 

188.  Wood  Ibis,  Tantalus  loculator.  Eggs,  1  or  2,  ellipti- 
cal, chalky  white,  often  sparingly  spotted  with  pale  reddish 
brown ;  1.70  -f  2.70  to  1.75  -f  2.75.  Breeds  in  Southern  United 
States,  from  the  Ohio  Valley,  Colorado,  Utah,  and  California, 
southward,  to  Buenos  Ayres;  in  Southern  United  States,  in 
May, 

189.  Jabiru,  Mycteria  americana.  Eggs,  2,  rounded  oval, 
uniform  olive-green,  unspotted ;  2.20  -f-  3.33  to  2.25  -f-  3.35. 
Extralimital;  tropical  America,  the  birds  oo-urring  casually  in 
Texas. 

Family  XIX.  —  ARDEID^.    Herons,  Bitterns,  etc. 

Birds  of  this  family  usually  construct  a  rude  nest  of  sticks, 
which  is  almost  always  placed  in  irees  or  bushes,  but  occasion- 
ally on  the  ground.     Eggs,  always  unspotted. 

190.  American  Bittern,  Botaurus  lentiginosua.  (Type, 
Plate  VI.)  Eggs,  3  to  6,  elliptical,  varying  vrom  greenish  ash 
CO  browi, ;  .65  -f-  2.10  to  1.80  +  2.25.  Breeds  throughout 
temperate  North  America,  early  in  June.  Nests,  composed  of 
weeds,  grasses,  etc.,  and  placed  on  the  ground,  in  marshes.  The 
egf^rt  may  be  recognized  by  the  peculiar  brown  color. 


■'  '    ?  i'it 

'1     -'^       .  'I 


I  I 


\'-\ 


i 

m 


11 


1    \ 


I 


30 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMEBIC  AN  BIRDS. 


191.  Least  Bitterx,  liotaurtts  exilis.  (Type,  riatt;  IV.) 
Eggs,  3  to  5,  elliptical,  pale  bluish  green  ;  .95  -}-  1.25  to  1.00  -|- 
1.30,  Nests,  composed  of  weeds,  etc.,  and  placed  in  reeds,  gra&s, 
or  low  bushes.  Breeds  through  temperate  North  America,  south 
of  the  British  Provinces ;  rare  in  the  more  northern  sections. 
Eggs  known  by  the  pale  color  and  small  size,  but  those  of  the 
remaining  members  of  the  family,  where  they  are  to  be  sepa- 
rated at  all,  must  be  distinguished  by  the  size  alone. 

191a.  Cory's  Least  Bittern,  Botaurus  neoxena.  Eggs, 
unknown.  Only  one  specimen  of  the  bird  known,  and  that 
was  obtained  in  1886,  in  Western  Florida. 

192.  Great  White  Heron,  Ardea  occidentalis.  Eggs,  2  or 
3,  elliptical,  pale  bluish  green;  1.80 -|- 2.40  to  1.85  4-2.45. 
Breeds  in  Southern  Florida,  and  on  the  Keys. 

192a.  Wurdkmann's  Heron,  Ardea  wurdemannii.  Eggs, 
2  or  3,  varying  from  oval  to  elliptical,  pale  bluish  green ;  1.80 
4-2.60  to  1.85 -f- 2-90.  Breeds  in  extreme  Souchern  Florida 
and  on  the  Keys,  in  March. 

193.  Ward's  Heron,  Ardea  loardii.  Eggs,  2  or  3,  varying 
from  elliptical  to  oval,  rather  pale  greenish  blue;  1.66 -{- 2.50 
to  1.80  4-  2.83.    Breeds  in  Florida,  in  March. 

194.  Great  Blue  Heron,  Ardea  herodias.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
varying  from  elliptical  to  oval,  greenish  blue;  1.60  4"  2.50  to 
1.75  4"  2.80.  Breeds  throughout  North  America,  in  suitable 
locations,  excepting  Florida,  from  March  to  May,  according  to 
latitude. 

195.  European  Blue  Heron,  Ardea  cinerea.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
oval,  bluish  green  ;  1.75  -\-  2.25  to  1.80  4-  2.80.  Extralimital ; 
most  of  the  Eastern  Hemisphere ;  birds  accidental  in  Southern 
Greenland. 

196.  American  Egret,  Ardea  egretia.  Eggs,  2  to  4,  oval 
or  elliptical,  rather  pale  bluish  green;  1.40  -|- 2.20  to  1.65  4" 
2.35.  Breeds  from  New  Jersey,  Minnesota,  and  Oregon,  south, 
to  Patagonia;  in  P^lorida,  in  April;  further  north,  as  late  as 
May. 


!    ' 


r 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


81 


197.  Snowy  Heron,  Ardea  candidissima.  Eggs,  2  to  4, 
varying  from  oval  to  elliptical,  bluish  green  ;  1.20  -|-  1-80  to  1.25 
-f-  1.85.  Breeds  from  New  Jersey  and  Oregon,  southward,  to 
Buenos  Ayres ;  in  the  United  States,  from  April  to  June,  ac- 
cording to  latitude. 

198.  Reddish  Egret,  Ardea  rufa.  Eggs,  2  to  4,  varying 
from  elliptical  to  oval,  bluish  green  ;  1.50  -j-  2.05  to  1.55  -\-  '1.2,b. 
Breeds  in  the  Gulf  States,  Bahamas,  Cuba,  Jamaica,  Mexico, 
and  southward  to  Guatemala,  in  April. 

199.  Louisiana  Heron,  Ardea  tricolor  nijicollis.  Eggs,  in- 
rllslingdishable  from  those  of  No.  197.  Breeds  in  the  Gulf 
.>  ;8,  Bahamas,  West  Indies,  Mexico,  and  Central  America, 
Jn  April  and  May. 

200.  Little  Blue  Heron.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from 
those  of  No.  197.  Breeds  from  New  Jersey,  Illinois,  and  Kan- 
sas, southward,  to  Guiana  and  New  Grenada ;  also  in  the  West 
Indies ;  in  North  America,  in  April  and  May. 

201.  Green  Heron.  (Type,  Plato  III.)  Eggs,  3  to  5,  ellii>- 
tical,  greenish  blue ;  1.00  -f- 1-45  to  1.25  -\-  1.00.  Breeds  along 
both  coasts  of  North  America,  from  Canada  and  Oregon,  south- 
ward, to  Northern  South  America,  the  Bahamas  and  West 
Indias. 

202.  B^.\rK-cRowNED  Night  Heron,  Nycticorax  nycti- 
corax  V  nmt^.  Eggs,  .3  to  6,  varying  from  oval  to  elliptical, 
bluisl  g."  >>..  1.35 -f  1.90  to  1.55  +  2.15.  Breeds  from  the 
British  Pi\  ii.ccfl,  southward,  to  the  Falkland  Islands,  inclu- 
ding a  part    •"  tVo  West  Indies. 

203.  Yellow-crowned  Night  Heron,  Nycticorax  violacea. 
Eggs,  3  to  6,  elliptical,  yellowish  green;  1.80  +  2.25  to  1.65 
+  2.25.  The  yellowest  of  all  the  Herons'  eggs.  Breeds  from 
the  Carolinas  and  lower  Ohio  valley,  southward,  to  Brazil;  also 
on  tbe  Bahamas,  in  April  and  May. 


m  !i 


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82 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


ORDER  VIII. — PALUDICOL^.    Cranes,  Rails,  etc. 

All  the  North  American  members  of  this  family  lay  spotted 
eggs.  Nests,  with  one  or  two  exceptions,  placed  on  the 
ground. 

Family  XIX.  — GRUID^.    Cranes. 

Members  of  this  family  lay  very  large  eggs,  exceeding  in 
size  those  of  any  other  North  A;  ^'-'j?)  birds.  Nests,  com- 
posed of  grass,  weeds,  and  other  dtv  'aced  in  the  shallow 
water  of  some  marsh. 

204.  Whooping  Crane.  Eggs,  2,  elliptical,  yellowish  ash, 
spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  and  coarsely  with  reddish 
brown  and  umber ;  2.60  +  3.90  to  2.65  +  4.00.  Known  from 
the  succeeding  species  by  the  large  size.  Breeds  throughout 
the  interior  of  North  America,  southward,  to  Florida  and 
Texas,  from  March  until  May,  depending;;  upon  locality. 

205.  Little  Brown  Crane,  Grus  canadensis.  Eggs,  simi- 
lar to  those  of  No.  204,  but  smaller;  2.30  +  3.65  to  2.35  + 
3.65.     Breeds  in  Arctic  and  sul)-Arctic  America. 

206.  Sandhill  Crane,  Grus  mexicana.  (Typo;  Plato  V.) 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  in  form  and  color  from  those  of  No. 
204,  but  are  a  little  smaller;  2.15  +  3.40  to  2.25 -|- 3.65. 
Breeds  in  the  southern  half  of  the  United  States;  rare  on  the 
Atlantic,  excepting  in  Georgia  and  Florida;  in  March  and 
April. 

Family  XX.  —  ARAMID^.    Courlans. 

Eggs,  resembling  in  general  color  and  markings  those  of  the 
last  family.  Nests,  composed  of  sticks,  and  placed  in  bushes, 
near  water. 

207.  LiMPKiN,  Aramus  giganteus.  (Type,  Plate  V.)  Eggs, 
10  to  15,  rather  elliptical,  ashy  yellow,  lined,  sprinkled,  spotted, 
and  blotched  with  reddish  brown  and  umber;  1.70 -f- 2.35  to 
1.75  -f-  2-^^-    Known  by  their  resemblance  to  the  Sandhill 


4 


i 


EGOS   OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


33 


1 


Cranes  in  general  color  and  markings.  Breeds  in  Florida,  the 
West  Indies,  and  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Central  America,  in 
March. 

Family  XXI.  —  RALLID^.    Rails,  Gallinules,  and  Coots, 

All  members  of  this  family  place  their  nests  on  the  ground, 
in  marshy  places.  They  are  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc. 
Eggs,  numerous. 

208.  King  Rail,  Jiallus  elegans.  Eggs,  8  to  10,  oval,  bluish 
white  or  creamy,  dotted  and  spotted  rather  sparingly  with  red- 
dish brown  and  lilac;  1.15 -|- 1.55  to  1.25 -|- 1.77.  Known 
from  the  preceding  by  the  paler  colors.  Breeds  in  the  fresh- 
water marshes  of  the  Eastern  United  States,  from  the  Middle 
States,  southward. 

209.  Beldixg's  Rail,  JRallus  beldingi.  Eggs,  unknown. 
Breeds  on  the  Espiritu  Islands,  Gulf  of  California. 

210.  California  Clappeu  Rail,  liallus  obseletus.  Eggs, 
unknown,  but  probably  similar  to  those  of  No.  208.  Breeds  on 
the  salt  marshes  of  the  Pacific  coast,  from  Washington  Terri- 
tory to  Lower  California. 

211.  CLAirxER  Rail,  liallus  longirostris  crepitans.  Eggs, 
8  to  10,  oval,  buffy  yellow,  dotted  and  spotted  irregularly  with 
reddish  brown  and  lilac;  1.05  -\- 1.60  to  1.15  -\-  1.75.  Known 
from  those  of  No.  208  by  the  more  buffy  tinge.  Breeds  on 
the  salt  marshes  of  the  Atlantic,  from  New  Jersey,  southward, 
early  in  June. 

211a.  Louisiana  Clapper  Rail,  liallus  longirostris  saturor 
tus.  Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  211.  Breeds  in  the  salt 
marshes  of  the  Gulf  States,  from  Florida  to  Louisiana. 

212.  Virginia  Rail,  Jiallus  virginianus.  (Type,  Plate 
III.)  Eggs,  8  to  10,  oval,  creamy  white,  sparingly  sjiotted  and 
dotted  with  reddish  brown  and  lilac;  .90  -f-  L20  to  .95  -|-  1.30. 
Resemble  those  of  No.  208,  but  much  smaller.  Breeds  in  the 
fresh  marshes  throughout  North  America,  from  the  British 
Provinces,  southward,  to  Guatemala  and  Cuba,  early  in  June. 


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34 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


213.  Spottki)  Cuake,  Porzana  pcyrzana.  Eggs,  8  to  12, 
oval,  oblong,  creamy  or  buff,  spotted  with  reddish  brown ;  .94 
-j- 1.30  to  .98  4- l-*^''^-  Extralnnital ;  occurs  throughout  the 
Old  World  ;  the  bird  has  been  taken  in  Greeidand. 

214.  SoRA  Rail,  Porzana  Carolina.  (Tyi)e,  Plate  III.) 
Eggs,  6  to  10,  oval,  brownisii  buff,  dotted  and  spotted  irregu- 
larly but  sparingly  with  reddish  brown  and  lilac;  .85  -j-  1.20  to 
.95  4-  1.25.  Known  from  those  of  No.  212  by  the  decidedly 
darker  color.  Breeds  commonly  in  eastern  temperate  North 
America,  from  Florida,  northward,  and,  rarely,  in  the  West,  in 
the  same  latitude,  in  early  June. 

215.  Yellow^  Rail,  Porzana  novehoracensis.  Eggs,  6  to  10, 
oval,  deep  buff,  dotted  and  sjiotted  irregularly,  but  very  spar- 
ingly, with  reddish  brown  and  lilac ;  .80  -|-  1.05  to  .85  -|-  1.15. 
Known  from  those  of  No.  214  by  the  smaller  size,  fewer  spot- 
tings,  and  lighter  color.  Breeds  in  the  northern  portion  of 
Eastern  North  America,  from  Nova  Scotia  and  Hudson's  Bay, 
westward,  to  Utah  and  Nevada,  in  June. 

216.  Black  Rail,  Porzana  jamaicensis.  Eggs,  6  to  8,  oval, 
creamy,  faintly  dotted  .and  spotted  with  reddish  brown ;  .75  -|- 
1.00  to  .80  -j-  1-05.  Known  from  all  of  our  other  Rails  by  the 
small  size,  s]inrse  markings,  and  ligiit  colors. 

21Ga.  Fahai-lonkx  Rail,  Porzana  jamaicensis  cotnrniclus. 
Eggs,  unknown.     Breeds  on  the  Farallone  Islands,  California. 

217.  CoiiN  Crake,  Crex  crex.  Eggs,  9  to  12,  oval,  pale  buff, 
spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish  l)rown  and  lilac ;  1.50  -{-  1.73 
to  1.55 -|- 1.75.  Extralimital ;  occurs  in  Europe;  the  bird  is 
casual  in  Greenland,  the  Bermudas,  and  Eastern  North  America. 

218.  Purple  Gallinule,  lonornis  martinica.  Eggs,  G  to 
8,  rather  elliptical,  deep  creamy,  spotted,  dotted,  and  blotched 
rather  sparingly  with  reddish  brown  and  HIac;  1.15  -f-  1.70  to 
1.20 -f- 1.75.  Known  by  the  deep  buff  color,  small  size,  and 
sparse  markings.  Breeds  in  the  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf 
States,  in  May. 

219.  Florida  Gallinumc,  GalUnnla  (jalatea.  (Type,  Plate 
JV.)     Eggs,  8  to  10,  oval,  creamy  buff,  spotted  and  dotted 


PLATt  W. 


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EGGS  OF  NOETII  AMERWAxSf  BIRDS. 


85 


with  brown  and  umber;  1/20  -j-  1.75  to  1.00  -|-  1-80.  Known 
from  those  of  No.  218  by  the  hirge  size,  oval  form,  and  dark 
iiKirkiniis.  Breeds  throughout  tropical  and  temperate  America, 
from  Canada,  southward,  to  Brazil  and  Chili,  but  is  not  com- 
mon in  the  Eastern  and  Middle  States.  The  eggs  are  laid  in 
May. 

220.  European  (  cox,  Fulica  atra.  Eggs,  6  to  10,  oval, 
chalky  white,  finely  and  j)lentifully  dotted  and  spotted  tvith 
black.  Known  by  the  fine  black  dottings  and  large  size.  Ex- 
tralimital ;  occurs  throughout  the  northern  portions  of  the 
Eastern  Hemisphere  ;  the  bird  has  been  taken  in  Greenland. 

221.  American  Coot,  Fulica  americana.  Eggs,  6  to  10, 
similar  in  form  and  markings  to  those  of  No.  220,  but  smaller; 
1.15  -f  l.SO  to  1.40  -f  2.00.  Breeds  throughout  North  America, 
from  Greenland  and  Alaska,  southward,  to  Florida,  but  less 
conmionly  in  the  eastern  portions.  Nests  in  May.  Known  by 
the  fine  black  spottings. 


ORDER  VIII.  — LIMIOOL^.    Shore  Birds. 

Eggs,  usually  pyriform  in  shape,  generally  boldly  and  hand- 
somely marked,  seldom,  if  ever,  unspotted,  few  in  number,  and, 
almost  without  exception,  placed  on  the  ground,  cither  in  some 
depression  of  the  soil  or  surface  on  which  they  are  laid,  or  a 
little  grass  serves  for  a  nest. 

Family  XXII.  —  PHALAROPODID^.    Phalabopbs. 

Eggs,  decidedly  pyriform,  handsomely  spotted  and  blotched, 
and  dark  iu  color.    Nests,  composed  of  a  little  grass. 

222.  Red  Phalarope,  Crymophilus  fulicarius.  (Type, 
Plate  IV.)  Eggs,  2  to  4,  pyriform,  varying  from  grc-enish  to 
yellowish  ash,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly,  tliickly,  and, 
usually,  coarsely,  with  brown  or  varying  shades;  .85  -|-  1,15  to 
.90  -}-  1.30.  Known  from  those  of  No.  223  by  the  su})eri()r 
size. 


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86 


EGGt^   OF  NOHTII   AMEIiWAN  liFllDS. 


223.  Northern  Piialaropk,  Phalarojms  lohatua.  Eggs,  2 
to  4,  similar  to  the  last  in  form  and  color,  but  smaller;  .75  -f- 
1.02  to  .80  -|-  1.30.  Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions  of  the  North- 
ern Hemisphere,  in  June. 

224.  Wilson's  Piialaropk,  Phalaropus  tricolor.  Eggs,  2 
to  4,  similar  in  form  and  color  to  those  of  No.  222,  but  slightly 
larger;  .90 -f- 1-20  to  .95 -|- 1-35.  Breeds  in  the  interior  of 
North  America,  from  Northern  Illinois  and  Utah,  northward, 
to  the  Saskatchewan  region,  in  May. 


Family    XXIIT. 


RECITRVIROSTRID^. 
Stilts. 


AvocETB  and 


Eggs,  rather  pyriform  in  shape,  dark  in  color,  heavily  blotched 
and  spotted. 

225.  American  Avockt,  Hecurvirostra  aynericana.  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  sub-pyriform,  dark  ashy  yellow,  spotted  and  blotched 
irregularly  with  rather  small  rounded  or  oblong  marks  of  dark 
brown.  Breeds  throughout  Western  North  America,  from  the 
Saskatchewan  and  Great  Slave  Lake  region,  southward,  in  May. 
Eggs  distinguished  from  those  of  the  next  species  by  the  supe- 
rior size,  and  from  those  of  o'.her  Shore  Birds  by  the  dark 
color. 

226.  Black-n?:cked  Stilt,  Ilimantopua  mexicanus.  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  similar  in  form  and  color  to  those  of  No.  225,  but 
smaller;  1.15 -|- 1.52  to  1.25  4-1.76.  Nests  of  this  and  of 
the  preceding  species  composed  of  grass,  and  placed  near 
water,  but  in  dry  situations.  Breeds  from  Northern  United 
States  southward,  west  of  the  Mississippi  River;  also  in 
Florida,  the  Bahamas,  and  West  Indies ;  in  the  southern  sec- 
tions, during  the  last  of  April ;  later,  farther  north. 

Family  XXIV.  —  SCOLOPACID^.    Snipes,  Sandpipers, 

etc. 

Eggs,  most  decidedly  pyriform  in  shape,  generally  dark  in 
color. 


\ 


K^M 


EGGS   OF  SOUTH  AMERICAN   ItlltDS. 


87 


I 


Neets,  composed  of  grass,  moss,  or  other  similar  material,  and 
are  placed  in  dry  situations  except  when  otherwise  stated. 

227.  EuKoPKAN  Woodcock,  IScolopax  rusticoloi;  Eggs,  3 
or  4,  oval,  pale  yellowish  white,  blotched  and  spotted  with  ashy 
yellow  and  yellowish  brown  or  reddish ;  1.75  -|-  1.33  to  1.35  -|- 
1.80.  Extralimital ;  breeds  in  the  northern  portions  of  the 
Old  World,  but  the  birds  have  been  taken  in  Eastern  North 
America. 

228.  American  Woodcock.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  rather  oval  or  short 
pyriform,  varying  from  creamy  to  buff,  spotted  and  blotched 
irregularly,  btit  quite  thickly  and  coarsely,  with  pale  reddish 
brown  of  varying  shades ;  1.10  -f- 1-65  to  1.20  -|-  1.70.  Known 
from  all  American  eggs  by  the  pale  colors  and  oval  or  short 
pyriform  shape.  Breeds  in  the  eastern  provinces  of  North 
America,  westward,  to  Dakota  and  Kansas ;  from  the  British 
Provinces,  southward,  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  and  Northern 
Florida ;  in  the  latter  named  section,  in  February ;  farther 
north,  in  April. 

229.  European  Snipe,  GalUnago  gallinago.  Eggs,  2  to  4, 
pyriform,  varying  from  pale  greenish  brown  to  yellowish  ash, 
spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  and  rather  faintly  with  rounded 
marks  of  pale  reddish  brown,  the  greater  portion  of  the  mark- 
ings being  on  the  larger  end;  1.05 -f- 1 -50  to  1.10 -|- 1-60. 
Extralimital ;  occurs  in  the  northern  parts  of  the  Old  World ; 
the  bird  is  frequently  found  in  Greenland,  and  is  accidental  in 
the  Bermudas. 

230.  Wilson's  Snipe,  Galhuiffo  delicata.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  in- 
distinguishable from  those  of  No.  'J'iO;  in  both  species  the 
eggs  are  occasionally  marked  with  lines  and  scrawls.  K'lown  by 
the  decidedly  greenish  color.  Xests  placed  in  Jiiarslios.  Breeds 
from  Northern  United  States,  northward,  in  .June. 

231.  DowiTCHER,  Mact'oramphns  grimus.  Eggs,  2  to  4, 
pyriform,  varying  from  ])ale  greenish  brown  to  yillowisli  ash, 
spotted  and  blotched  irregularly,  and  usually  faintly,  with  light 
reddish  brown  and  umber;  1.10 -j- 1.55  to  ].l ;')-[-  1.70.   Known 


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88 


Kaas  OF  xonri!  amiuucan  nnws. 


by  the  pale  colors  iiud  pyriform  shape.     IJrcoils  in  the  extreme 
northern  jfortions  of  North  America,  in  Jnnt'. 

232.  LoNG-HiM,Ei)  DuwrrciiKit,  Marrontmj'fms  scolopaceus. 
Eggs,  3  or  4,  j)yriforin,  «l(.'ci(k'(lly  riit'ous  drab,  blotched  with 
deep  sopia  brown;  1.15  -|-  '-^O  to  1.20  -\-  1.85.  Known  from 
those  of  No.  231  by  the  decidedly  rufous  groan J-color.  Breed -i 
in  the  western  portion  of  Northern  North  America,  in  May. 

233.  Stilt  Sandpiper,  Micropalama  himantopus.  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  oblong  pyriforni,  grayish  white,  with  large  ronnd  and 
scattering  markings  of  brown;  1.05 -f- 1.45  to  1.10 -j- 1-50. 
Breeds  north  of  the  United  States,  in  June. 

234.  Knot,  Tringa  camitus.  Eggs,  evidently  unknown. 
Breeds  in  high  northern  latitudes  of  tlie  Northern  Hemisphere. 

235.  Purple  Sandpiper,  Tringa  maritima.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
decidedly  pyriform,  varying  from  yellowish  ash  to  greenish, 
spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  and  rather  coarsely  with 
brown  of  varying  shades ;  .90  -f- 1.30  to  1.00  -f-  l'^^'  Known 
by  the  coarse  markings,  greenish  shade,  and  pyriform  shape. 
Breeds  in  the  extreme  northern  portion  of  the  Northern  Hem- 
isphere. 

236.  Aleutian  Sandpiper,  7'ringa  cousei.  Eggs,  unknown. 
Occurs  on  the  Aleutian  Islands  and  coast  of  Alaska,  northward, 
to  St.  Michael's. 

237.  PRiBYLor  Sandpiper,  Tringa ptilocneniis.  Eggs,  2  or 
3,  decidedly  pyriform,  clear  drab,  boldly  marked  with  large 
blotches  of  sepia,  mingled  with  other  markings;  1.10 -f- 1-50 
to  1.12  -\- 1.60.  Breeds  in  the  Pribylov  Islands  and  Alaska,  in 
May. 

238.  Sharp-tailed  Sandpiper,  Tringa  acuminata.  I  can 
find  no  description  of  the  eggs  of  this  species.  Occurs  in 
Eastern  Asia  and  on  the  coast  of  Alaska. 

239.  Pectoral  SANDPiriSR,  Tringa  macidata.  Eggs,  un- 
known.    Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions  of  North  America. 

240.  White-rumped  Sandpiper,  Tringa  fusicollis.  Eggs, 
8  or  4,  })yriforin,  rufous  drab,  boldly  marked  with  very  dark 


EGGS  OF  NORTU  AMFAtWAN  niltns. 


39 


scpi-.^  brown;  .95  4-1.35  to   1.00 -f  1.40. 
north  of  Eastern  North  America. 


Breeds  in  the  far 


241.  Bajud'.s  Sandi'IPKu,  Trbigx  bairdi.  Ki.'i;s,  2  to  4,  pyri- 
forni,  Vfirylnti;  from  ashy  yellow  to  bnff,  spotteil  and  blotched 
with  brown  of  two  or  three  sbatles;  .90  -(-  1'28  to  .95  -f-  1.35, 
Breeds  in  the  interior  of  Northern  North  America,  in  May. 

242.  Lkast  Sandpiper,  I'rinya  minutilta.  Eggs,  5i  or  4, 
pyriform,  varying  from  creamy  to  buff,  spotted  and  blotched 
irregularly  and  (]iiito  tlil'-kly  with  brown  ;ind  umber  of  varying 
shades;  .70 -f- -90  to  .75 -|- 1-00.  Known  by  the  small  size 
and  form.  Breeds  in  North  America,  north  of  the  United 
States. 

243.  Dunlin,  Tringa  alpina.  Eggs,  2  to  4,  pyriform, 
varying  from  greenish  to  yellowish,  blotclied  and  lotted 
irregularly  and  thickly  with  rounded  marks  of  reddish  brown 
of  several  shades ;  .95  -\-  1.30  to  1.00  -\-  1.35.  Known  by 
the  greenish  color,  size,  and  coarse  markings.  Extralimital ; 
occurs  in  the  northern  parts  of  the  Old  "World ;  accidental  iu 
North  America. 

243a.  Red-backed  Sandpiper,  Tringa  alpina  padjica. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  243.  Breeds  in  the 
extreme  northern  portion  of  North  America. 

244.  Curlew  Sandpiper,  Tringa  feiTuyinea.  Eggs,  un- 
known. Extralimital ;  occurs  in  the  Old  World  ;  accidental  iu 
North  America. 

244a.  Damacen  Sandpiper,  Tringa  damacensis.  Eggs, 
unknown.  This  species  only  claims  a  place  in  our  fauna 
through  a  specimen  having  been  taken  in  Alaska,  on  Otter 
Island,  Bering's  Sea. 

245.  Spoon-bill  Sandpiper,  Eurgnorhynchus  pygmcpus. 
Eggs,  unknown.  Extralimital;  occurs  ii!  Arctic  Asia;  acciden- 
tal on  the  coast  of  Alaska. 

246.  Semipalmated  Sandpiper,  Erevnetes  pusillus.  Eggs, 
2  to  4,  decidedly  pyriform,  varying  from  greenish  to  yellowish 
ash,  spotted,  dotted,  and  blotched  irregularly  and  thickly  with 


\ 


.if 


Hi' 


(i 


40 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMSlilCAN  BIRDS. 


brown  of  varying  shades;  .80  -f-  1-20  to  .85  -j-  1.25.  B'nown 
from  those  of  No.  242  by  the  large  size  and  greenish  color. 
Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America,  north  of  the  United  States, 
late  in  May. 

247.  Westebnt  Sandpiper,  £Jreunetes  occidentalis.  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  pyi-iform,  light  grayish  buff,  thickly  spotted  with  reddish 
sepia;  .80  +  1.20  to  .90  +  1.25.  Breeds  in  Western  North 
America,  in  the  far  north,  in  May. 

248.  Saxdeklixg,  Cnlidris  arenaria.  Eggs,  2  to  4,  pyi- 
forni,  varying  from  dark  ashy  yellow  to  greenish  brown,  spotted 
and  blotched  with  brown  of  varying  shades;  .40  -\-  1.35  to  .45 
-j-  1.45.  Known  by  the  size  and  gen<a*al  dark  color.  Breeds 
in  Arctic  and  sulvArctic  regions  of  the  globe. 

249.  Marbled  Godwit,  Limcsa  fedoa.  Eggs,  2  to  4,  long 
oval,  varying  from  creamy  to  pale  buff,  spotted  and  blotched 
rather  sparingly  with  yellowish  brown  of  varying  shades,  with 
the  usual  paler  shell-markings;  1.45 -|- 2.20  to  1.50 -j- 2.25. 
Known  by  the  peculiar  form,  size,  and  pale  color.  Breeds  in 
the  interior  of  North  America,  from  Utah,  northward,  in  May. 

250.  Pacific  Godwit,  Limosa  lapponica  baueri.  Eggs,  2 
or  3,  oblong  oval,  varying  from  pale  drab  to  greenish,  spotted 
and  blotched  with  umber ;  1.43  4-  2.25  to  1.45  +  2.25.  Breeds 
on  the  siiores  and  islands  of  the  Pacific;  in  North  America 
onl}'  in  Alaska,  in  May. 

251.  IIudsoniax  Godwit,  TJmosa  hcemastica.  Eggs,  3  or 
4,  nyriform,  very  dark  greerish  brown,  somewhat  obscurely 
blotched  with  dark  brown  ;  1.35 -j- 2.15  to  1.40 -f- 2.20.  Known 
by  the  large  size,  form,  and  dark  color.  JJi'oeds  in  the  extreme 
north  of  Eastern  North  America,  in  May. 

252.  Black-tailed  Godwit,  Limosa  limosa.  Eggs,  quite 
similar  to  those  of  No.  251.  Extralimital ;  breeds  in  the  north- 
ern parts  of  the  Old  World;  bird  accidental  in  Greenland. 

253.  Green-shank,  Totamis  nebularis.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  pyri- 
form,  pale  yellowish  green,  spotted  with  dark  brown  and  light 
purplish  drab;  1.38  +  2.25  to  1.42  +  2.10.  Extralimital; 
occurs  in  the  Eastern  Hemisphere ;  bird  accidental  in  Florida. 


HI 


EGGS  OF  NOliTU  AMERICAN  BIHDK 


41 


254.  Greater  Ykllow-legs,  Totarms  vielanoleucui  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  pyriform,  pale  greenish  yellow,  spotted  and  biotclied 
with  umber  and  pale  purpliah  gray  ;  1.56-1-2,25  to  1.58 -j- 2.30. 
Breeds  in  North  Temperate  and  sub-Arctic  North  America,  in 
May. 

255.  Yellow-legs,  Totanus  flavipes.  Eggs,  2  or  4,  pyri- 
fonn,  varying  from  creamy  to  ashy  buff,  spotted  and  blotched 
irregularly  with  umber  brown  of  varying  shades;  1.15  -f-  1-60 
to  1.20  -f-  1.80.  Known  by  the  size  and  light  ground-color. 
Breeds  in  North  Temperate  and  sub-Arctic  North  America. 

256.  Solitary  Sandpiper,  Totamis  soUtarias.  Eggs,  2  to 
4,  pyriform,  varying  from  creamy  to  nale  buff,  spotted  and 
blotched,  usually  quite  coarsely,  with  brown  of  varying  shades, 
but  generally  dark;  .95  4-1.35  to  1.00 -[- 1.40.  The  eggs 
described  are  i'rom  Utah,  and  were  placed  on  the  ground. 
Breeds  in  Northern  North  America,  from  ITtah  and  Northern 
New  England,  northward. 

257.  Green  Sandpiper,  Totamis  ofJiropus.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
pear-shaped,  grayish  green,  sparingly  spotted  and  blotched 
with  pale  purplish  gray  and  dark  brown;  1.08  -f-  1.50  to  1.12 
-|-  1.55.  Eggs  placed  in  trees,  in  the  des'jrted  nests  of  large 
birds.  Breeds  in  the  northern  portions  of  the  Old  World ; 
bird  accidental  in  Nova  Scotia. 

258.  Wii.LET,  Synipfiemia  setnipabnata.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
rather  blunt  pyriform,  varying  from  creamy  to  greenish,  usually 
of  the  latter  shade,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  and  quite 
thickly  with  rounded  marks  of  reddish  brown  umber  and  lilac; 
1.90  -j-  2.18  to  1.45  -f  1.58.  Breeds  from  Southern  New  Jing- 
land  and  Western  Canada  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  east  rJ  the 
Mississippi  River;  also  in  the  Bahamas. 

258a.  Western  Willet,  Stjmphemia  semipalmata  inor- 
nata.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  258.  Breeds 
throughout  the  Ceiitral  Plains,  in  May.  This  siib-species  has 
been  described  by  Mr.  William  Brewster,  in  the  "  ivuk,"  April, 
1887. 


m 


11  '1 


!  ■:• 


! 


■ll 
Hi' 


f  '■ 


A  . 


42 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN   BIRDS. 


259.  Wanukkino  Tatlek,  Jleteractitis  inmnus.  Eggs,  un- 
known. Breeds  on  the  eastern  islands  and  shores  of  the  Pacific 
Ocean.     The  bird  is  a  frequent  migrant  on  the  coast  or  Ahuskiu 

'260.  Ruff,  Ptwoncella  pagnax.  Eggs,  2  to  4,  oblong,  ]>yri- 
form,  olivaceous,  spotted  and  blotched  with  umber  and  reddinli 
brown;  1.09 -f  1. GO  to  1.12 -f  1.(50.  Extralimital ;  occurs  in 
the  northern  ])arts  of  tlie  Old  World.  Accidental  in  Eastern 
North  America. 

201.  Baktuamian  Sanupipeii,  Bartramialongicavda.  Eggs, 
2  to  4,  rather  short  j)yriforin,  pale  buff,  spotted  and  dotted 
sparingly  and  irregularly,  usually  more  thickly  on  the  larger 
eri(\  with  yellowish  brown  of  varying  shades;  1.25  -|-  1.75  to 
1.35  -|~  l-^^-  Known  by  the  short  pyrifonn  shape,  pale  colors, 
and  rather  fine  spottings.  Breeds  throughout  Eastern  North 
America,  from  the  Carolinas  to  Nova  Scotia,  and  also  in  Alaska, 
in  May. 

262.  BuFF-BREASTKP  Sandpipee,  Tryugites  suhmficollis. 
Eggs,  2  to  4,  pyriform,  varying  from  ashy  yellow  to  greenish 
brown,  spotted  and  blotched  irrtgularly  with  umber  and  brown 
of  varying  shades;  1.02 -|- 1.40  to  1.10 -|- 1.50.  Known  by  the 
aize,  dark  colors,  and  heavy,  abundant  markings.  Breeds  in 
the  interior  of  British  America,  and  in  the  Yucon  district, 
northward  to  the  Arctic  coast,  in  May. 

203.  Spotted  Sandpiper,  Attis  macularia.  (Type,  Plato 
VI.)  ^<gg8,  3  or  4,  decidedly  pyrifonn,  varying  from  creamy 
to  buff,  spotted,  blotched,  and  dotted  with  rounded  marks  of 
reddish  brown  and  lilac ;  .90  -j-  1.20  to  .95  -|-  1.40.  Known  by 
the  size  and  rounded  niarkings.  Breeds  throughout  temperate 
North  America,  in  May. 

264.  L(»N(;-i!im,p:d  Cuiu-ew,  N'umenius  longirostrls.  Eggs, 
2  to  4,  rather  oval,  varying  from  ashy  yel'.nv  to  greenish, 
spotted,  blotched,  and  dotted  irregularly  with  brown,  umber, 
and  lilac  of  varying  shades;  1.80  -j-  2.40  to  1.90  +  2.88.  The 
largest  of  the  Shore  Birds'  eggs.  Breeds  in  the  South  Atlantic 
States,  excepting,  perhaps,  Florida,  and  through  the  interior  of 
temperuto  North  America. 


i 


EGGH  OF  NORTH  AMKIUCAN  lilHDH. 


43 


205.  ITunsoNiAX  Cuum:\v,  JSFmneulus  hudsotiicus.  Keu'-S  3 
or  4,  pyrifonii,  varying  hum  asliy  y<'llovv  to  grct'iiisli,  tspotted 
aiul  blotoliefl  irregularly  and  ihickly  w  itli  brown  and  nmber  of 
varying  shades  ;  1.50  +  2.20  to  l.GO  +  2.30.  Breeds  in  tlie 
far  nortli. 

2GG.  EsKiiio  CuKLEW,  Ntmieiiius  horealis.  Eggs,  2  to  4, 
ratlier  oval,  varying  from  ashy  to  greenish  brown,  spotted  and 
blotched  coarsely  with  l)rown  and  umber  ^  1.30  -f-  1.90  to  1.85 
-j-  2.00.  Known  by  the  oval  form  and  coarse  markings.  Breeds 
in  the  eastern  Arctic  regions  of  North  America. 

267.  Whimhkel,  Nutnenius  phmojms.  Eggs,  2  to  4,  pyri- 
form,  varying  from  light  to  dark  greenish  brown,  spotted  and 
clouded  with  dark  umber ;  1.51  -|-  2.25  to  1.60  -f-  2.57.  Extra- 
limital ;  breeds  in  the  northern  parts  of  the  Old  World,  but  the 
bird  occurs  in  Greenland. 

268.  BuisTi.E-TiiiGHEi)  CuKF.icw,  Numeniiis  tahitiensis. 
Eggs,  unknown.  Extralimital ;  breeds  in  the  islands  of  the 
Pacific.     The  bird  is  occasional  on  the  coast  of  Alaska. 

269.  Lafwing,  Vunellus  vanellus.  Eggs,  8  or  4,  rather  pyri- 
forni,  deep  yellowish  ash,  spotted  and  blotched  with  dark 
brown;  1.31  -|-  1.80  to  1.36  -f  1.85.  Extralimital:  .  vods  in 
the  nortliern  parts  of  the  Eastern  Hemisphere.  The  bird  is 
occasional  in  Greenlnnd  and  Alaska. 

270.  BLACK-iiELLiKr-  Plover,  Clurradrius  Sijuxitrola.  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  rather  pyvifoii  ,  brownish  drab,  spotted  and  blotched 
boldly  with  dark  brown,  the  8j)ots  often  becoming  so  large  as  to 
be  continent;  1.40  -f-  2.12  to  1.45  -j-  2.35.  Known  by  the  size 
and  large  confluent  m;u'hings.  Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions  of 
the  Northern  Hemisphere. 

271.  GoM)E\  Plover,  Chanidrius  apricarius.  Eggs,  2  to 
4,  i>yriform,  deep  buff,  blotclird  and  spotted  with  brown  of 
varying  shades,  with  the  markings  large  and  conlluent  ;  1.25  -|- 
1.80  to  1.45 -|- 2.10.  Extraimiitid;  breeds  in  Kurojie.  The 
bird  occurs  in  Greenland. 

272.  American  Golden  Plover,  (Jharadrius  dotxinirns. 
Eggs,  3  or  4,  pyriform,  ashy  yellow,  spotted,  blotched,   and 


;! . 


44 


KfJGS  OF  NOli'fll  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


dotted  boldly  with  deep  brown,  with  the  larger  markings  often 
confluent,  osj)0('i:illy  towards  the  larger  end;  1.25 -|- 1.60  to 
1.30  -|-  1.05.  Known  by  the  ;ishy  color  and  large  confluent 
blotches.     Breeds  in  Arctic  America,  in  June. 

272«.  Pacific  Golden  Plovek,  Vharadrius  dontinicus  ful- 
vus.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  pyriform,  yellowish  gray,  blotched  and 
spotted  with  deep  brownish  sepia;  1.10  -|-  1.50  to  1.15  -|-  1.55. 
Breeds  in  Asia  and  on  islands  in  the  Pacitic ;  in  North  America, 
on  the  Pribylov  Islands  and  coast  of  Alaska,  in  June. 

273.  KiLLDKER,  ^gialitis  vociferu.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  }»yriforra, 
creamy,  spotted  and  lined  with  dark  brown  and  umber,  but 
spottings,  not  lines,  predominate;  1.00  -|-  1.35  to  1.05  -|-  1'50. 
Known  by  the  creamy  color  and  preponderance  of  spots. 
Breeds  throughout  temperate  North  America,  from  the  Caro- 
linas,  northward ;  rare  in  New  England.     Eggs  laid  in  May. 

274.  Semipai.mated  Plover,  ^gialitis  semipalmata.  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  pyriform,  spotted  irregularly  and  jilentifully  with  brown 
of  varying  shades;  .90  -|-  1.35  to  .95  -j-  1.40.  Known  by  the 
abundance  of  spots  and  absence  of  lines.  Breeds  in  Arctic 
and  sub-Arctic  America,  in  June. 

275.  Ring  Plover,  ^giaUtis  hiatictda.     Eggs,  3  or  4,  in 
distinofuishable  from  those  of  No.  274.     Breeds  in  the  northern 
portions  of  the  Old  World,  and  in  America  on  the  west  shore 
of  Cumberland  Gulf. 

276.  Little  Ring  Plover,  uSiJgiaiitis  dichifi.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
rather  pyriform,  varying  from  buff  to  creamy,  spotted  and 
dotted,  not  coarsely,  with  dark  brown  and  black,  with  the  usual 
paler  shell-markings;  .90  -\-  1.30  to  .95  -|-  1.35.  Known  by  the 
creamy  color  and  niodium  coarse  markings.  Extralimital ; 
breeds  in  the  Eastern  Ilemisjihere.  Birds  accidental  on  the 
coast  of  California  and  Alaska. 

277.  Piping  Plover,  ^gialitis  meloda.  (Type,  Plate  VI.) 
Eggs,  4  or  5,  pyriform,  pale  yellowish  ash.  finely  and  thickly 
dotted  with  black,  yellowisli,  and  lilac;  .90  +  1.10  to  1.00  -j- 
1.20.    Known  by  the  pale  color  and  fine  dottings.    Breeds  from 


I 


EGGS  OF  NOllTU  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


45 


the  coast  of  Virginia,  northward,  to  the  Magdalen  Islands, 
Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  in  early  June. 

277a.  Belted  Piping  Plovee,  ^(jialitis  melodia  circuni- 
cincta.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  277.  Breeds 
in  the  Missouri  River  region,  and  perhajjs  occasionally  on  the 
Atlantic  coast. 

278.  Snowy  Plover,  ^gialitis  tiivosa.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
light  clay-color,  thickly  sprinkled  with  blackish  brown  in  lines 
and  scratches ;  resemble  those  of  No.  277,  but  differ  in  having 
more  decided  lines.  Breeds  on  the  western  coast  of  North 
America,  from  April  to  July. 

279.  Mongolian  Plover,  uEgialitis  mongola.  Eggs,  prob- 
ably unknown.  Extralimital;  breeds  in  Northern  Asia.  The 
bird  is  accidental  in  Alaska. 

280.  Wilson's  Plover,  ^gialUis  wilsonin.  (Type,  Plate 
VI.)  Eggs,  2  or  .S,  similar  to  those  of  No.  273,  but  lined 
throughout,  and  not  spotted  ;  1.00  -|-  1.35  to  1.05  -f-  1-40. 
Known  by  the  numerous  lines  and  absence  of  rounded  spots. 
Breads  on  both  coasts  of  America,  from  Lower  California  and 
Lon.i;  Island  to  Brazil  and  Peru,  including  the  West  Indies  and 
Pahamas. 

281.  Mountain  Plover,  JRgialitis  montana.  Eggs,  2  to  4, 
decidedly  pyriform,  greenish  brown,  finely  and  plentifully 
dotted  with  very  dark  brown  and  black ;  1.10  -f- 1-40  to  1.12  -\- 
1.50.  Known  by  the  dark  color  and  fine  dottings.  Breeds  in 
temperate  Nortli  America,  westward,  in  May. 


1 


Family  VI.  —  APTTRTZID/E.    Surf  Birds  and  Turnstones. 

Eggs  not  so  decidedly  pyriform  as  in  the  last  family,  and 
darker  in  color,  as  a  rule. 

282.  Surf  Bird,  Aphriza  virgata.  Eggs,  unknown  to  mc. 
Occurs  on  the  Pacific  coast  of  America,  from  Alaska  to  Chili 
and  the  Sandwich  Islands. 

283.  Turnstone,  Arenaria  interpres.  Eggs,  2  to  4,  some- 
what pyriform,  greenish  ash,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly 


4G 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  lilRLS. 


with  yclIoAvish  brown  ami  scattering  dots  of  umber;  1.17  -\- 
1.57  to  1.20  -|-  I'G^-  Known  by  the  size  and  darlc  color.  Breeds 
in  Arctic  regions  around  the  globe,  in  June. 

28-4.  JJLAt'K  'i'uuNSTONK,  Arenavid  melanocephala.  Kggs, 
3  or  4,  oblong  pyriform,  olivaceous  drab,  profusely  marbled  with 
suffused  spottings  and  dottings;  1.15  -|-  1.58  to  1.19  -|-  1.85. 
Breeds  in  Alaska. 

Family  XI.  —  IliEMATOPODID^.     Ovstek-Catcheks. 

Eggs,  rather  oval,  pale  in  color,  and  boldly  spotted,  placed  on 
the  sand  by  the  sea-shore,  but  little  or  no  nest  being  con- 
structed. 

285.  Oyster-catcher,  Hfcmatopus  ostralegus.  Eggs,  8  or 
4,  rather  oval,  yellowish  ashy,  spotted  and  blotched  with  ashy 
gray  and  dark  brown  ;  1.50  -f  2.17  to  1.55  -f  2.20.  Extralim- 
ital ;  occurs  on  the  sea-coast  of  the  Eastern  Hemisphere.  The 
bird  is  occasional  in  Greenland. 

286.  American  Oyster-catcher.  Hwmatopus  jmlliatus. 
Eggs,  2  to  4,  rather  oval,  creamy  or  white,  spotted  and  blotched 
irregularly  with  brown  of  varying  slindes;  1.50 -}- 2.15  to  1.55 -j- 
2.25.  Known  from  those  of  No.  285  by  lighter  color.  Breeds 
on  the  sea-coasts  of  temperate  and  tropical  America,  from  New 
Jersey  and  Lower  California  to  Patagonia;  also  on  the  Bahamas. 

287.  Black  Oyster-catcher,  Ilccmatopiis  bachmani.  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  indistinguishable  in  form  and  color  from  those  of  No. 
280 ;  1.52  +  2.18  to  1.59  +  2.29.  Breeds  on  the  Pacific  coast 
of  North  America,  from  California  to  Alaska. 


Family  XII.  —  JACANTDyE.     Jacanas. 

Members  of  this  family  mainly  inhabit  the  tropics,  and  their 
breeding  habits  appear  to  be  but  little  known. 

288.  Mexican  Jacana,  J(tcana  qymnostoma.  Eggs,  4, 
rounded  oval,  light  drab,  marbled  with  a  network  of  lines  and 
spots  of  black  and  dark  brown,  about  the  size  of  those  of  the 


JbJGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BlUDS. 


47 


Virginia  Rail.  Breeds  in  Mexico,  Central  America,  and  Cuba, 
thuH  extralitnital ;  Init  the  bird  is  said  to  occur  in  the  lower  Rio 
Grande  Valley,  Texas. 


ORDER  III.— GALLING.    Gallinaceous  Birds. 

Birds  of  this  order  usually  lay  a  large  luunber  of  eggs, 
which  arc  placed  on  the  ground  in  a  rude  nest  of  leaves,  etc., 
they  are  variously  colored  and  somotirues  spotted. 


ll 


Family  V.  —  TETRAONID^.     Grouse,  Partridges,  Etc. 

Eggs,  varying  in  form  from  pyriform  to  oval ;  they  are 
white,  buff,  or  creamy,  plain  or  spotted. 

289.  Bob-white,  CoUnus  virghiiaims.  (Type,  Plate  VI.) 
Eggs,  8  to  20,  decidedly  short  pyrifonn,  white  and  unspotted, 
.95  +  l.BO  to  1.00  +  1.35.  Breeds  in  Eastern  United  States, 
from  Southern  Maine  to  the  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States, 
westward  to  Dakota,  Eastern  Kansas,  and  Eastern  Texas. 

289a.  Florida  Boh-white,  Colimis  virginiamis  florida7ms. 
Eggs,  8  to  15,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  289,  except- 
ing in  being  ;i  little  smaller.     Brootls  in  Florida, 

289i.  Texan  Boh-wiiite,  Colinus  cirgimanus  teicanus. 
Eggs,  8  to  15,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  '>89a. 
Breeds  in  Southern  and  Western  Texas,  northward  to  Western 
Kansas. 

290.  Grayson's  Bob-white,  CoUnus  graj/soni.  Eggs,  un- 
known.    Breeds  in  jNlexico,  no  thward  into  Southern  Arizona. 

291.  Masked  Bob-white,  Colinus  rkl/wc  .  Eggs,  un- 
known. Breeds  on  the  Mexican  border  of  Arizona  and  south- 
ward. 

292.  Mountain  PARTRiD(iE,  Oreortyx  pictus.  Eggs,  8  to 
20,  rnther  oval,  rich   cream-color,  unspotted;   1.10 -f- 1.46  to 


I 


!  ii 


48 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


1.12  -|-  1.48.  Breeds  in  Washington  Territory,  Oregon,  and 
northern  coast  region  of  California,  in  May. 

292a.  Plumed  Paktkidgk,  Oreorti/x  pictus  plnmiferus. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  292.  Breeds  in  the 
Sierra  Nevada  and  southern  coast  ranges  of  California,  to  Cape 
St.  Lucas. 

29B.  Scaled  Partridge,  CalUpepla  sqiiamata.  Eggs,  6  to 
8,  short  pyriform,  creamy,  sprinkled  and  blotched  rather  more 
thickly  and  coarsely  on  the  larger  end,  with  very  pale  yellow- 
ish drab;  1.00  +  1.25  to  1.05  -f  1.35.  Breeds  on  the  table- 
lands of  Mexicto,  into  Western  Texas,  New  Mexico,  and  Ari- 
zona, in  May  and  June. 

293a.  Chestnut-bellied  Scaled  Partridge,  CalUpepla 
sqiiamata  castanogastris.  Eggs,  probably  indistinguishable 
from  those  of  No.  293,  but  are  said  to  be  oval  in  form.  Breeds 
in  Eastern  Mexico  and  lower  Rio  Grande  Valley  in  Texas,  in 
May. 

294.  California  Partridge,  CalUpepla  californica.  (Type, 
I'late  VI.)  Eggs,  8  to  20,  short  pyriform,  creamy,  blotched, 
sprinkled,  ond  spotted,  coarsely  or  finely,  varying  greatly  indi- 
vidually, with  rather  pale  reddish  brown;  ,0 -f-  1-20  to  1.00 
-\-  1.30.  Breeds  in  the  coast  region  of  California  and  Oregon, 
in  May  and  June. 

294a.  Valley  Partridge,  CalUpepla  californica  valUcola. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  294.  Breeds  in  the 
interior  valleys  and  foot-hills  of  the  Pacific  province,  southward 
to  Cape  St.  Lucas,  in  May  and  June. 

295.  Gambell's  Partridge,  CalUpepla  gamheli.  Eggs,  6 
to  15,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  294.  Breeds  in 
Western  Texas,  New  Mexico,  Southern  Utah,  Arizona,  lower 
Colorado  Valley,  and  southward  into  Western  Mexico. 

296.  Massena  Partridge,  Cyrtonyx  montezumcB.  Eggs, 
unknown.  Breeds  in  Northwestern  Texas,  New  Mexico, 
Arizona,  and  Northwestern  Mexico. 

297.  Dusky  Grouse,  Dendragapus  obscwrus.  Eggs,  6  to  10, 
oval,  pale  cream-color,  finely  spotted  with  reddish  brown;  1.40 


EGdS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


49 


-j-  1.90  to  1.45  -j-  l.l'o.  Breeds  in  the  liocky  Mountiiina,  from 
Central  Mont;in:i  to  New  Mexico  and  Arizona. 

297^/.  So(H'Y  Gkousk,  ]>emh'<ujapuH  obscurus  fuliginosus. 
Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  297.  Breeds  in  the  northwest 
coast  mountains,  from  California  to  Sitka. 

2976.  Kichardson's  Gkousk,  Dendragapus  obscurus  ricJkr 
ardsonii.  Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  297  in  form  and  color, 
but  are  smaller;  1.35  -|-  1.72  to  1.36  -j-  1.75.  Breeds  in  the 
Kocky  Mountains,  from  Central  Montana,  northward,  into 
British  America. 

298.  Canada  Gkouse,  Dendragapus  canadensis.  Eggs,  8 
to  10,  oblong  oval,  deep  buff,  spotted  and  sprinkled  with  brown 
of  varying  shades;  1.20  +  1.68  to  1.22+1.75.  Breeds  in 
British  America  east  of  the  Rocky  iSIountains,  from  Alaska, 
southward,  to  Northern  Michigan,  Northern  New  York,  and 
Northern  New  England,  in  May. 

299.  Fkanklin's  Grouse,  Dendragapus  franklinii.  Eggs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  298.  Breeds  in  the  North- 
ern Rocky  Mountains,  and  to  the  Pacific  coast,  but  generally 
north  of  the  United  States. 

300.  Ruffed  Grouse,  Donasa  umbellus.  (Type,  Plate  VI.) 
Eggs,  8  to  12,  rather  oval,  creamy  or  buff,  usually  plain,  but 
occasionally  spotted  with  reddish;  1.08  +  1.45  to  1.20  +  1.65. 
Breeds  throughout  the  Eastern  United  States,  southward  to 
North  Carolina,  Georgia,  Mississijipi,  and  Arkansas. 

300a.  Canadian  Ruffed  Grouse,  Bonasa,  nmbellus  togata. 
Eggs,  nc  to  be  distinguished  from  those  of  No.  300.  Breeds 
in  the  densely  timbered  portion  of  Northern  Maine  and  the 
British  Provinces,  westward  to  Eastern  Oregon  and  AV^ashing- 
ton  Territory. 

3006.  Gray  Ruffed  Gnovs^,  Bonasa  umbellus  urnbeUoidi.^. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  300.  Breeds  in  the 
Rocky  Mountain  region  of  the  United  States  and  British 
America,  northward  to  Alaska. 

800c.  Oregon  Ruffed  Grouse,  Bonasa  nmbellus  sabini. 
Eggs,  indistinguisliable  from  those  of  No.  300.     Breeds  in  the 


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60 


EGOS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  RIRD8. 


Rocky  Moniitali;  region  of   the  Unittnl  Si:it(.'s,  northward  to 
Alaskn. 

301.  Willow  Ptaumigan,  Lugopua  lac/opus.  (Typf,  Plate 
VI.)  Eggs,  8  to  15,  oval,  reddish  buff,  spotted  and  mottled, 
usually  quite  thickly,  with  large  confluent  blotches  of  purplish 
brown ;  1.15  -f- 1.80  to  1.20  +  1.85.  Breeds  in  Arctic  North 
America,  in  June. 

SOltt.  Ai.i,Ky''s  FrARmaxu,  Ziagopttslaffopusallani.  Eggs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  301.  Breeds  in  Newfound- 
land. 

30'J.  Rock  Ptarmigan,  Lagoptis  rupestris.  Eggs,  indis- 
tinguishable from  those  of  No.  301,  e.vcepting  that  they  are 
perhaps  a  little  smaller;  1.10 -{- 1.55  to  1.12 -j- 1.65.  Breeds 
in  Arctic  North  America. 

302a.  Reiniiardt's  Ptarmigan,  Lagopus  rupestris  rein- 
hardti.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  302.  Breeds 
in  Greenland  and  on  the  western  shores  of  Cumberland  Gulf. 

3025.  Turner's  Ptarmigan,  Lagopus  rupestris  atkhensis. 
Eggs,  unknown,  but  probably  indistinguishable  from  those  of 
No.  302.     Breeds  on  Atkha  Island,  Aleutian  group. 

.•j03.  Welch's  Ptarmigan,  Lagopus  toelchi.  Eggs  are,  I 
thitik,  undescribcd,  but  probably  resemble  those  of  No.  302. 
Breeds  in  Newfoundland. 

304.  White-tailkp  Ptarmigan,  T^agopns  leuciirus.  Eggs, 
8  to  10,  oval,  or  oblong  oval,  yellowish  cream,  marked  with 
small  rounded  spots  of  deep  chestnut,  quite  uniformly  dis- 
tributed over  the  entire  surface;  1.20  +  1.80  to  1.22  -j-  1.85. 
Breods  oji  the  alpine  summits  of  the  mountains  of  Western 
North  America,  from  New  Mexico,  northward,  into  British 
America. 

305.  Prairie  Hen,  Tympanuchus  americanus.  Eggs,  8  to 
15,  oval,  varying  from  dirty  white  to  greenish  yellow,  unspotted, 
or  often  finely  dotted  with  reddish  yellow ;  1.20  -j-  1.60  to  1.30 
-|-  1.75.  Breeds  on  the  prairie?  of  the  Mississippi  Valley, 
southward  to  Louisiana,  eastward  to  Kentucky  and  Indiana,  in 
Mnv. 


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Eaas  OF  \OTrri!  American  hirds. 


61 


306.  Hrath  Hen,  2}/tnp<muchu8  cupido.  Eggs,  6  to  10, 
oval,  yellowish  green,  of  a  lighter  shade  than  those  of  No. 
30f>,  and  unspotted  ;  l.ti5  -|-  1.72  to  l.*27  -f  1.75.  Breeds  on 
the  island  o"  Martha's  Vineyard,  Mass.,  in  May. 

307.  Lkssku  Pratrif.  IIkv,  T>/mpamicfvis  prdlidicinctus. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  305  m  form  and 
color,  but  are  a  little  smaller.  Breeds  on  the  eastern  edges  of 
the  Great  Plains,  from  Texas  northward. 

308.  Sharp-tailed  Grouse,  J^eiUoaihsjyhasianelluH.  Eggs, 
10  to  14,  oval,  varying  from  ashy  yellow  to  reddish  brown, 
often  ])lain,  but  frequently  sprinkled  with  dark  brown  ;  1.25  -f- 
1.75  to  1.28  -\-  1.78.  Breeds  in  British  America,  from  the 
northern  shores  of  Lake  Superior  and  British  Columbia  to 
Hudson's  Bay  Territory  and  Alaska,  in  June. 

308a.  Columbian  Sharp-tailed  Grouse,  Pedioctrtes  phasi- 
anellus  cohwibianus.  Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  308,  but 
are  pa'er  and  larger;  1.30 -f-  1.80  to  1.32  -j-  1.85.  Breeds  on 
tlie  J)  .uiis  of  Northwestern  United  States,  in  May. 

30S^>.  Prairie  Sharp-tailed  Grouse,  Pedioavtcs  phasia- 
nelliis  campestris.  Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  308,  but  per- 
haps a  little  smaller  on  the  average;  1.23  -f-  1.66.  Breeds 
on  the  plains  and  prairies  of  the  United  States,  east  of  the 
Kocky  Mountains,  south  to  New  Mexico,  in  May. 

309.  Sagk  Grouse,  Ceiitrocercus  urophasianus.  Eijgs,  6 
to  17,  rather  pointed,  oval,  varying  from  greenish  to  yellowish 
drab,  thickly  marked  with  rounded  spots  of  reddish  brown  of 
varying  shades;  1.50 -j- 2.20  to  1.45 -}- 2.15.  Breeds  on  the 
sago  plains  of  the  Rocky  Mountain  plateau  and  westward, 
from  Dakota,  Colorado,  and  New  Mexico,  to  Nevada,  Eastern 
California,  Oregon,  and  Washington  Territory,  in  April. 

Family  XXX.— PHASIANIDJi:.  Pheasants,  Tukkeys, Etc. 

Members  of  this  family  deposit  their  eggs,  which  are  numer- 
ous, on  the  ground  in  retired  situations,  m  coarse  nests  made 
of  leaves  or  other  similar  material. 


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62 


EGGS  OF  NORTU  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


310.  Wild  Turkey,  Meleagris  gallopavo.  (Type,  Plate 
VIII.)  Eggs,  10  to  20,  short,  oval,  varying  from  creamy  to 
buff,  spotted  and  dotted,  usually  quite  thickly,  with  reddish 
brown;  1.85  -}-  2.45  to  2.00  +  2.50.  Breeds  in  the  wilder 
sections  of  the  United  Slates,  from  So  ithern  Canada  to  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico,  west  of  the  central  plains,  \n  May. 

310a.  Mexican  Wild  Turkey,  Meleagris  gallopavo  mexi- 
cana.  Eggs,  indistuiguishable  from  those  of  No.  310.  Breeds 
in  Soutlnvestern  United  States,  from  Texas  to  Arizona,  south 
over  the  table-lands  of  Mexico. 

Family  XXXI. — CRACID^.    Curassows  and  Guans. 

North  American  species  of  this  family  place  their  eggs  in 
trees  or  bushes,  and  tliey  are  plainly  colored.  The  nests  are 
roughly  'Constructed  of  sticks,  grass,  leaves,  etc. 

311.  Ciiaoiialaca,  Ortalis  vetula  maccalli.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
oblong,  oval,  buffy,  unspotted,  but  with  the  shell  conspicuously 
roughened ;  1.05  -\-  2.35  to  1.67  -f  2.40.  Breeds  in  the 
valley  of  the  Rio  Grande,  and  southward  into  Mexico,  in  April. 


ORDER  XL  — OOLUMB^.    Pigeons. 

Eggs,  few  in  number,  usually  2;  white,  or  creamy,  and 
unmarko<l.  Nests  of  sticks,  roughly  constructed;  and  in 
American  species,  as  a  rule,  placed  in  trees,  but  occasionally 
on  the  ground. 


J  '■ 
1. 


Family  XXXII.  —  COLUMBID^.     Pigeons  and  Doves. 

Eggs,  white  or  creamy  in  color,  ellij)tical  in  form  ;  size 
alone  distinguishes  them.  Unless  otherwise  mentioned,  the 
nests  are  placed  in  elevated  situations. 

312.  Band-tailed  Pigeon,  Columba  fasciata.  Eggs,  2, 
creamy  ;  1.15  -|-  1.49  to  1.20  -f-  1.55.  Nests,  placed  on  the 
ground.     Breeds   throughout   Western   United   States,  from 


1 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


53 


"Washington  Territory  and  New  Mexico  south  to  Guatemala, 
in  April. 

312a.  V'iosca's  Pigeon,  Columha  fasciata  vioscce.  A  new 
sub-specief),  described  by  Mr.  Brewster  in  the  "  Aulc  "  for  Janu- 
ary, 188S.     Breeds  in  Lower  California.     Eggs  unknown. 

313.  Red-billed  Pigeon,  Columba  flavr/'ostris.  Eggs,  2, 
creamy;  1.00  -j-  1.45  to  l.Wo  -|-  1.48.  Breeds  on  the  southej*n 
border  of  the  United  States,  from  Arizona  and  the  Rio  Grande 
Valley,  south  to  Costa  Rica. 

314.  WniTE-cROWNED  Pigeon,  Columba  leucocephala. 
Egg^7,  2,  creamy  white;  1.02 -f-  1.40  to  1.05  -f-  1.45.  Nests 
placed  on  the  ground  or  on  bushes  or  low  trees.  Breeds  on 
the  Florida  Keys,  Bahamas,  Greater  Antilles,  and  coast  of 
Honduras,  in  June. 

315.  Passenger  Pigeon,  Ectopistes  migratorius  Eggs, 
elliptical,  sometimes  oval,  white;  1.00  -|-  1.50  to  1.12  -f-  1.55. 
Breeds  in  suitable  locations,  in  Eastern  North  America,  from 
Hudson's  Bay  south,  at  least  to  Pennsylvania,  and  west  to  the 
Great  Plains.     Now  very  rare  even  in  the  wildest  sections. 

316.  Mourning  Dove,  Zeuaidura  marroura.  (Type, 
Plate  IX.)  Eggs,  often  oval,  varying  from  wliite  to  creamy; 
.75 -f  1.02  to  .90  +  1.23.  Nests  in  trees.  Breeds  tlirougU- 
out  North  America,  from  Southern  IMp.ine,  Southern  Canada, 
and  Oregon,  south  to  Panama  and  Key  West ;  in  May,  or 
earlier,  in  the  more  southern  sections. 

317.  Zenaida  Dove,  Zenaida  zenaida.  Eggs,  white ;  1.00 
-j-  1.20  to  1.05  -\-  1.30.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground  or  in  trees 
or  bushes.  Breeds  rarely  on  the  Florida  Keys,  not  uncom- 
monly on  the  Bahamas,  Greater  AntilU  s,  and  coast  of  Yucatan, 
in  May  and  June. 

318.  Wiiite-fronted  Dove,  KngmlUa  alhifrons.  Eggs, 
creamy;  .88 -f- 1.17  to  .98  -j-  1.25.  Breeds  in  the  valley  of 
the  Lower  Rio  Grande  in  Texas,  and  soull-ward  U-.  (lu.uemala, 
in  April. 


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64 


EGGS   OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


319.  VVhite-wixgkd  Dove,  Melopelia  leucoptera.  EgL;s, 
decidedly  creamy;  .94  -f-  1-31  to  .95  -|-  1'35.  Breeds  on  the 
soiitheni  border  of  the  ITnited  States,  from  Texas,  New 
Mexico,  Arizona,  and  Lower  California,  southward  to  Costa 
lilca  and  the  West  Indies,  in  May. 

320.  Grouxd  Dove,  Oolumbigallina  passerina.  Eggs, 
white ;  .63  -j-  .80  to  .65  -|-  .90.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground  or 
in  trees  or  bushes.  Breeds  in  the  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf 
States,  Texas,  New  Mexico,  Arizona,  and  California,  in  May. 

3'20a.  Mexican  Ground  Dove,  ColumhujaUina  passerina 
pallescens.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  820,  and 
nests  in  similar  situations.  Breeds  in  Southwestern  United 
States,  south  through  Mexico  to  Central  America. 

321.  Inca  Dove,  Scardafella  inca.  Eggs,  white;  .60  --  .82 
to  .72  -|-  .95.  Nests  placed  in  trees  or  bushes.  Breeds  in  the 
Ilio  Grande  Valley,  Arizona,  and  Lower  California,  south  to 
Guatemala,  in  May. 

322.  Key  "Wkst  Quail  Dove,  Geotrygoti  martinica.  Eggs 
appear  to  be  undescribed.  Nests  are  said  ic  be  placed  on  the 
ground  or  in  trees  or  bushes.  Extraliraital ;  breeds  in  the 
West  Indies  and  Bahamas  ;  birds  perhaps  casual  on  the  Florida 
Keys.     Time  of  nesting  is  probably  May. 

323.  Blue-headed  Quail  Dove,  Starncenas  cyanocephala. 
Eggs,  white;  1.05  +  1.40  to  1.10  +  1.4;i.  Extnilimital; 
breeds  in  Cuba ;  possibly  occurring  on  the  Florida  Keys,  but 
this  is  doubtful. 

323a.  Ruddy  Quail  Dove,  Geotnjgon  montana.  Eggs, 
probablv  similar  to  those  of  No.  332.  A  single  specimen  of 
this  extrauinital  species  was  ol)tained  on  Key  West,  Dec.  8, 
1888,  and  recorded  by  Scott  in  the  "Auk"  "for  April,  1889. 
Breeds  in  the  Greater  Antilles. 


K^GS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN   lilRDS. 


66 


'M 


■f 


ORDER  XII.  — RAPTORES.    Birds  of  Prey. 

Eggs,  vfiriable  in  form  and  color,  cither  plain  or  spotted, 
])lace(l  on  the  ground,  in  caves,  holes  of  trees,  or  other  natural 
cavities,  or  in  trees. 

Famh^y  XXXIII.  —  CATH  ARTID^E.    Amkuican  Vui.TunKs. 

Eggs,  not  exceeding  2,  long,  elliptical  in  form,  and  usually 
spotted.     Nests  usually  placed  on  the  ground  or  near  it. 

324.  California  Vulture,  Psexidogryphus  caUfornianns. 
Eggs,  1  or  2,  long,  oval,  but  more  pointed  at  the  smaller  end, 
pale  greenish  blue,  unsj)ottod ;  2.38  +  4.40  to  2.50  -1-  4.50. 
Breeds  in  the  Pacific  coast  region  of  the  United  States,  from 
Oregon  southward,  and  in  the  interior  to  Southern  Utah. 
Known  by  the  large  size. 

325.  Turkey  Vulture,  Cathartes  aura.  (Type,  Plate  VII.) 
K'igs,  1  or  2,  elliptical  or  oval,  dirty  white,  or  creamy,  spotted 
and  blotched,  irregularly,  often  qtiite  coarsely,  but  sometimes 
more  thickly  on  t  tie  l.irgcM-  end,  with  reddish  brown  and  umber ; 
1.80  -|-  2.05  to  1.90  -f-  2.75.  Xe^ns  usually  placed  on  the 
ground,  or  often  in  hollow  logs.  Breeds  throiitrliout  the 
United  States  from  New  .lersey,  Ohio  Valley,  and  Washington 
Territory,  southward  to  Patagonia;  in  Florida  in  February, 
farther  north  a  little  later. 

320.  Black  Vulti-re,  Catharista  atraUi.  Eggs,  indistin- 
guishable from  those  of  No.  325.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground 
or  in  hollow  logs.  Breeds  from  Norlii  Carolina  and  the 
Lower  Ohio  Valley  region,  southward  through  Mexico,  (Neutral 
America,  the  West  Indies,  and  most  of  South  America;  in 
the  United  States  in  March  and  Aj)ril. 

Family  XXXIV.  —  FALCONTD.E.     Fal.oxs,  Hawks, 

EA!if.i;s,    Ere. 
Eggs,  either  plain  or  Knotted,     Nests,  in  the  majority  of  cascrf. 
placed  in  trees,  composed  of  stieks  and  other  course  luatcriid. 


if  I 

I 


i;  •* 


4 


56 


EGGS   OF  NORTH   AMElilCAN    JSIUDS. 


327.  SwALLOw-TAiLKD  KiTK,  JSlaiioides  forfcatus.  Eggs, 
2  to  4,  ovul,  greenish  ..hite,  spotted  and  blotched  irregul-irly 
and  Itroadly  with  brown  and  umber  of  varying  shades  ;  1.18  -|- 
1.87  to  1.50  -j-  1.97.  Breeds  througlioiit  Southern  United 
States,  fi-oin  Pennsylvani::  and  Minnesota,  southward  tlirough- 
out  Central  and  Soixth  America,  westward  to  the  Great  Plains, 
in  May.     Nests  placed  in  trees. 

i>28.  WiiiTE-TAii.Ku  Kite,  ^aniis  leucurns.  Eggs,  4  to  6, 
rather  spherical,  bluish  white,  irregularly  but  boldly  spotted 
and  blotched  with  brown  and  umber  of  varying  shades;  1.14 
-|-  1.62  to  1.48  -j-  1.64.  Breeds  throughout  Southern  United 
States,  from  South  Carolina.  Southern  Illinois,  and  California, 
southward  to  Chili  and  Buenos  Ayres ;  in  May  in  the  United 
States,     Nests  in  trees. 

329.  Mississippi  Kite,  Tctinia  Mississippiensis.  Eggs,  2 
or  3,  rather  spherical,  greenish  white,  thickly  spotted  and 
blotched  with  deep  chocolate,  brown  and  black;  1.30  -}- 
1.50  to  1.32  -|-  1,52.  Breeds  from  Southern  United  States, 
southward  from  South  Carolina,  on  the  coast,  and  Wisconsin 
and  Minnesota,  in  the  interior,  to  Mexico,  in  May.  Nests  in 
trees. 

330.  Everglade  Kite,  JRostrhamus  sociabilis.  Eggs,  1  or 
2,  oval,  bluish  white,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with 
brown  and  umber  of  varying  shades;  1.40  -\-  1.55  to  1.55  -|- 
1.76.  Breeds  in  Southern  Florida,  in  the  Everglades,  in 
April ;  also  in  Cuba,  Eastern  Mexico,  (Central  America,  south- 
ward through  Eastern  South  America  to  the  Argentine  lie- 
public.     Nests  placed  on  the  toj>s  of  grass  or  in  low  bushes. 

331.  Maksh  Hawk,  Circua  hndsoirius.  Eggs,  4  to  6,  soiiie- 
times  7  and  8,  oval,  greenish  white,  occasionally  Tniely  spotted 
with  pale  brown  or  lilac  ;  1.42  -f  1.80  to  1.45  -j-  1.88.  Breeds 
throughout  North  America  in  suitable  locations,  -.onth  to 
Panama,  in  the  more  northern  sections  in  May.  Nests  usually 
placed  on  the  ground  in  marshy  districts. 

332.  SiiAiiP-siiiNNED  Havk,  Acciplter  velox.  (Type,  Plate 
V.)      Eggs,    3    to    5,    r.".Uier    si»herical,   bluish    white,    quite 


I 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS.  57 

(  oarsely  spotted  with  brown  and  umber  of  varying  shades; 
i.l7  -\-  1.20  to  1.20  +  1.60.  Breeds  througliout  Nortli 
America,  excepting,  perhaps,  Florida,  in  tlie  more  northern 
sections,  in  M:iy.     Nests  in  trees. 

333.  CooPEit's  Hawk,  Accipiter  cooperl.  (Type,  Plate 
V.)  Eggs,  2  to  4,  rather  spherical,  pale  bluish  white,  often 
spotted  with  pale  reddish  brown;  1.90  -f-  1.50  to  2.10  -|-  l.GO. 
Breeds  throughout  North  A.  lica,  excepting  Florida,  in  May, 
in  the  more  northern  portions,  and  a  little  earlier  in  the 
south. 

334.  American  Goshawk,  Accipiter  atricapillus.  Eggs,  3 
or  4,  varying  from  spherical  to  oval,  bluish  white,  often  linely 
mottled  with  pale  reddish  brown ;  1.82  -j-  2.30  to  1.92  -|-  2.32. 
Breeds  from  Maine  nortiiward,  in  May.     Nests  placed  in  trees. 

334a.  Western  Goshaavk,  Accipiter  atricapillus  striatu- 
lus.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  334.  Breeds 
in  Western  North  America. 

335.  Harris's  Haavk,  Parahnteo  nnicinctus  harrisi.  Eggs, 
2  to  4,  varying  from  oval  to  spherical,  bluish  white,  usually  un- 
spotted, but  occasionally  marked  with  reddish  and  purplish 
brown;  1.50  -\-  2.00  to  1.70+  2.20.  Breeds  in  Mississippi, 
Texas,  and  Arizona,  southward  to  Panama,  in  May.  Nests  in 
trees. 

336.  European  Buzzard,  Buteo  buteo.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
rather  spherical,  yellowish  white,  spotted  and  blotched  with 
brown,  umber,  and  lilac  of  varying  shades;  1.75  -f-  2.75  to 
1.80  -j-  2.80.  Extr.alimital.  Occurs  in  Europe  and  Wet'tern 
Asia;  l)ird  accidental  in  Michigan. 

337.  Rei)-tailei>  TTawk,  liuteo  boreali^.  Eggs,  2  or  3, 
elliptical  or  oval,  bluish  '.vhite,  usually,  but  not  always,  spotted 
and  blotched  with  brown  and  umber  of  varying  shades;  1.65 
H-  2.10  to  1.80  -|-  2.25.  Breeds  throughout  Eastern  North 
AniL-rica,  excepting  Florida,  west  to  the  Great  Plauis,  in 
March  and  April.     Nests  placed  in  trees. 

337a.    Krider's   Hawk,   Buteo    borealis    kriderii.      Eggs, 


H 


58 


KGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


indistinguishable  from  tliosc  of  No.  337.     Breeds  on  the  plains 
of  the  United  States,  from  Minnesota  to  Texiis. 

337^>.  WicsTERX  Kkd-'I'ail,  Duteo  borealis  calurus.  Eggs, 
as  ;i  rule,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  337,  but  are 
often  quite  Hnely  spotted.  Breeds  throughout  Western  North 
America,  iroin  the  Kooky  Mountains  to  the  Pacific,  south  into 
Mexico. 

337c.  Saint  Lucas  Red-tail,  Buteo  borealis  lucasanus. 
Eggs,  probably  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  337,  but 
are  perhaps  smaller.  Breeds  in  the  peninsula  of  Lower  Cali- 
fornia. 

338.  Haklan's  Hawk,  JBnleo  harlani.  Eggs,  probably  un- 
describ>3d.  Breeds  in  Texas  and  possibly  in  Kansas  and 
Pennsylvania. 

339.  Kku-siiouldered  ITawk,  Buteo  lineatus.  Eggs,  3  or 
4,  spherical  or  elliptical,  bluish  white,  usually,  but  not  always, 
spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  brown  and  umber  of 
varying  shades ;  L70  -f  2.20  to  1.80  -|-  2.30.  Bi-eeds  through- 
out Eastern  North  America,  west  to  Texas  and  the  Plains, 
south  to  the  Gulf  coast  and  Mexico,  in  April  in  the  more 
northern  districts,  earlier  farther  south. 

339a.  Flobida  Red-siiouldeued  Hawk,  Buteo  liucatus 
allem.  Three  eggs,  as  a  rule,  indistinguishable  from  those  of 
No.  339,  but  are  seldom  unsjiotted,  and  somewhat  smaller. 
Breeds  in  Florida,  in  February  and  March. 

3396.  Red-bellied  Hawk,  Buteo  lineatns  eler/ans.  ■  Eggs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  339,  but  are,  as  a  rule, 
smaller.  Breeds  tluoughout  Western  LTiiited  States,  from 
Western  Texas  to  California,  and  south  into  Mexico. 

340.  ZoNE-TATLEr)  Hawk,  Buteo  ohhrematus.  Esrsrs,  2  to 
4,  spliorical,  yollowish  white,  sjiotted  and  blotched  quite 
coarsely  with  browii  and  uml)ei'  of  varying  shades  ;  1.70  -|-  2.15 
to  1.72  -}-  2.19.  Breeds  in  Texas,  Arizona,  and  Southern  Cali- 
fornia, south  to  Northern  South  America,  in  May. 

341.  "NVurrE-TAii.ED  Hawk,  Buteo   <dbicaudatus.     Eggs,  2 


i   f 


r^^mm 


EGGS  OF  Noma  AMERICAN  BlUDS. 


/iB 


f 


to  4,  riither  spherical,  yellowish  white,  spotted  and  blotched 
with  brown  and  umber  of  varying  shades  ;  1.75  -j-  2.35  to  1.80 
-|-  2.38.  Nests  placed  on  low  trees  and  bushes.  Breeds  in 
the  Kio  Grande  Valley,  Texas,  and  southward  through  Mexico 
and  Central  America,  and  most  of  South  America. 

342.  Swainson's  Hawk,  Buleo  swainsoni.  Eggs,  4  to  0, 
varying  from  spherical  to  oval,  yellowish  white,  spotted  :iitii 
blotciied  irregularly  and  rather  faintly  with  reddish  brown, 
with  occasional  markings  of  purplish  ;  1.75  -f-  2.80  to  1.82  -|- 
2.32.  Breeds  in  Western  North  America,  from  Wisconsin, 
Illinois,  Arkansas,  and  Texas,  to  the  Pacific  co:ist ;  north  to 
the  Arctic  regions,  and  south  to  Buenos  Ayres,  in  May. 
Nests  placed  in  trees. 

343.  BuoAD-wiNGED  Hi^wK,  Buteo  latissitmis.  Eggs,  3  or 
4,  elliptical,  oval,  or  sphv-^rical,  dirty  white,  spotted  and 
blotched,  usually  quite  faintly  but  thickly,  with  reddish  Ijrown, 
but  occasionally  more  heavily  with  umber ;  1.68  4"  *^-15  to 
1.70  -\-  2.20.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America,  from  New 
Brunswick  and  the  Saskatchewan  region,  to  Texas  and 
Mexico,  southward  to  Central  America,  Northern  South 
America,  and  the  W^est  Indies,  in  May  in  the  more  northern, 
and  a  little  earlier  farther  soutii.     Nests  placed  in  trees. 

344.  SnoHT-T AILED  Hawk,  Buteo  brachyiirus.  Eggs,  un- 
known, extralimital.  Occurs  in  Mexico,  Central  America,  and 
most  of  South  America.  Bird  occasionally,  perhaps  regularly, 
in  Florida. 


345. 


ii-io.  Mexican  Black  Hawk,  Uruhifinga  anthrncina. 
Eggs,  2  or  3,  oval,  white,  unsi)Otted ;  2.08  +  1.70  to  2.10  -f 
1.75.  Breeds  from  Arizona  southward  to  Northern  South 
America.     Nests  placed  in  large  trees. 

346.  Mexican  Goshawk,  Aaturina  plaqiata.  Eggs,  2  or 
3,  rounded  ovnl,  white,  showing  a  faint  tinge  of  bluish,  un- 
spotted ;  1.60  +  2.00  to  1.65  to  2.04.  Breeds  in  the  south- 
western border  of  the  United  States,  southward  to  P:inama,  in 
May  and  June.     Nests  placed  in  trees. 


60 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


347.  IlouGH-LKCKJKn  Hawk,  Archilntteo  lagopus.  Eggs,  4 
to  6,  varying  from  spherical  to  oval,  ashy  or  yellowish  white, 
spotted  and  blotched  irregtdarly  and  rather  finely  and  faintly 
with  reddish  brown  and  umber,  with  frequent  markings  of 
purplish;  1.75  +  2.12  to  1.82  +  2.26.  Extralimital.  Breeds 
in  the  northern  parts  of  the  Old  World.  Bird  accidental  in 
Alaska. 

347a.  Ameuican  Rough-legged  Hawk,  Archibuteo  lago- 
pus sancti-johannin.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of 
No.  347,  both  in  form  and  color.  Breeds  in  North  America, 
north  of  the  United  States,  in  May  and  June.  Nests  placed 
on  trees  or  occasionally  on  cliffs. 

348.  Ferruginous  Rough-leg,  Archibuteo  ferrugineus. 
Eggs,  2  to  5,  rather  spherical,  varynig  from  white  to  creamy, 
spotted  and  blotched  with  brown  and  umber  of  varying 
shades;  1.95  +  2.43  to  2.00  +  2.60.  Breeds  in  Western 
North  America,  generally  in  May  and  Juno.  Nests  placed  in 
tiees,  as  a  rule,  but  occasionally  on  the  ground. 

349.  Golden  Eagle,  Aquila  chrysa'eJos.  Eggs,  2  or  3, 
rarely  4,  varying  from  elliptical  to  spherical,  dirty  white  or 
creamy,  usually  spotted  and  dotted  with  pale  reddish  brown, 
but  occasionally  umnarked  ;  2.18  +  2.65  to  2.52  -\-  8.30. 
Breeds  throughout  the  mountainous  regions  of  North  America, 
south  to  Mexico.  Nests,  as  a  rule,  placed  on  cliffs,  rarely  on 
trees,  and  more  rarely  on  the  ground. 

350.  Harpy  Eagle,  Thrasaetus  harpyia.  Eggs,  unknown 
to  me.  Extralimital.  Occurs  in  South  America,  south  to 
Paraguay.  Bird  casual  in  the  lower  Rio  Grande  Valley, 
Texas. 

351.  Gray  Sea  Eagle,  JluUa'etus  alhiciUa.  Eggs,  2  or  3, 
rather  spherical,  white,  usually  unspotted,  but  occasionally 
showing  faint  marks  of  light  brown ;  2.25  -|-  3.00  to  2.30 
-}-  3.10.  Nests  placed  on  cliffs.  Extralimital.  Breeds  in 
Northern  Europe  and  Asia;  bird  occasional  in  Southeastern 
Greenland. 


mm 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


61 


352.  Bald  Eagle,  JTalicBetus  leucocephalus.  Kc;,scr,  1,  2,  or 
3,  rarely  four,  ratlier  s])herical,  white,  unspotted  ;  2.25  -|-  2.75 
to  2.75  -f-  3.00.  Breeds  througliout  North  Atncric;;!,  south  to 
Mexico;  in  Florida  in  December  and  January,  in  Mississippi 
in  January,  in  Maryland  in  February,  i»i  Maine  in  March,  and 
farther  north,  hiter.  Nests  usually  placed  in  trees,  but  some- 
times on  cliffs. 

353.  White  Gyupalcon,  Falco  islandus.  Ecfj^s,  3  or  4, 
rather  spherical,  yellowish  white,  finely,  but  so  thickly  spotted 
as  to  nearly  obscure  the  ground  color,  with  reddish  brown  ; 
1.70  +  2.37  to  1.75  -f-  2.45.  Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions, 
including  Arctic  America  and  Greenland,  in  May.  Nests 
placed  in  trees  or  on  cliffs. 

354.  Gray  Gybfalcon,  Falco  rusticolus.  Eggs,  indistin- 
guishable from  those  of  No.  353,  and  nesting  habits  are 
similar.  Breeds  in  Iceland,  Southern  Greenland,  and  North- 
eastern North  America.     Nests  usually  placed  on  cliffs. 

354«.  GYnPALCON,  F'alco  rusticolus  gyrfalco.  Eggs,  indis- 
tinguishable from  those  of  No.  353,  and  the  nesting  habits 
are  similar.  Breeds  in  the  interior  of  Arctic  America,  from 
Hudson's  Bay  to  Alaska. 

3546.  Black  Gyrfalcon,  F'alco  rusticolus  ohsoletus.  Eggs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  353.  Breeds  in  Labrador, 
in  May.     Nests  placed  on  cliffs. 

355.  Prairie  Falcon,  Falco  mexicanus.  Eggs,  2  or  3, 
rather  spherical,  pinkish  white,  blotched,  spotted,  and  minutely 
freckled  with  reddish  brown  and  i)urplish ;  l.dO  -|-  2.15  to  1.65 
-j-  2.27.  Breeds  in  the  United  States,  from  the  eastern  border 
of  the  plains  to  the  Pacific,  south  into  Mexico,  in  May  and 
June.     Nests  placed  on  cliffs. 

356.  Duck  Hawk,  Paico  peregrinus  anatum.  (Type,  Plate 
IX.)  Eggs,  3  or  4,  rounded  oval,  deep  creamy,  spotted  and 
blotched  with  such  large,  confluent  markings  of  rich  choco- 
late brown  that  the  ground  color  is  nearly  or  quite  obscured. 
Breeds  throughout  North  America,  iu  the  wild  mountainous 


I 


li' 


«^2 


EGGS   OF  NORTH  AMEHICAN  BIHDS. 


'^^H 

\ 

1^  ''^ 

^B 

ill 

i; 


regions,  but  luoro  commonly  north  of  the  United  Slates ;  in 
March  in  the  more  southern  districts  ;  April,  in  New  England; 
and  in  May  in  the  Arctic  regions.  Nests  placed  on  clitt's  or 
occasion ;illy  in  trees. 

85t)rt.  I'KAi/s  Falcon,  I*\ilco  peregrinns  pealei.  Eggs,  in- 
distinguisha'  'e  from  those  of  No.  356,  and  the  nesting  habits 
are  similar.  Breeds  in  the  Pacific  coast  region  of  North 
America,  from  Oregon  to  the  Aleutian  and  Commander 
Islands. 

357.  Pigeon  Hawk,  I'alco  colnmbarius.  Eggs,  4  to  7,  but 
usually  5,  rather  spherical,  varying  from  creamy  to  deep  pur- 
plish rufous,  thickly  sprinkled,  sj^ottcd,  and  blotched  with 
reddish  brown  of  varying  shades;  1.20  -|-  1-55  t,o  1.28  •\-  1.75. 
Breeds  in  Northern  North  America,  nortli  of  the  United  States, 
as  a  rule,  especially  in  the  eastern  portions,  but  may  nest  in 
the  mountains  south  of  its  general  range,  in  May.  Nests  placetl 
in  trees,  or  rarely  on  cliffs. 

357a.  Black  Merlin,  Falco  cohonharius  suckleyi.  Eggs, 
probably  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  357,  and  the 
nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  the  northwest  coast 
region  of  North  America,  from  California  to  Sitka. 

358.  TJiciiARDSOx's  Merlin,  Falco  ricfmrdsonii.  Eggs, 
indistinouishable  in  form  and  color  from  those  of  No.  357,  but 
are  probably  larger.  Breeds  in  the  interior  and  western  plains 
of  North  America,  from  the  Mississippi  River  to  the  Pacific 
const,  nnrtli  to  the  Arctic  regions. 

358(/.  .Mi:iujN,  Fiilco  rcjulns.  Eggs,  varying  from  oval  to 
spherical  in  form  ;  from  creamy  to  reddish  in  color,  sj)Otted, 
dotted,  and  blotched  with  reddish  brown  and  umber,  frequently 
so  thickly  as  to  obscure  the  ground  color;  1.62  -|-  1.22  to  1.65 
-j- 1.25.  Extralimital ;  breeds  in  Europe.  Bird  accidental  in 
(4reenland.     See  "  Auk  "  for  January,  1888,  p.  395. 

359.  Aplomado  Falcon,  .Falco  fnsco-coerulescens.  Eggs, 
2  to  4,  rather  spherical,  white,  thickly  spotted,  sprinkled,  and 
blotched  with  reddish  and  Vandyke  brown;  1.63  -|-  1.78  to 


EQGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  lilRDS. 


cn 


'I 


1.69  -\-  1.81.  Bivpds  in  Texas  and  Now  Mexico,  south  to 
Piitagoriia;  in  Southcni  South  \inenc.'i  in  January;  in  Texa.s, 
prohahly  in  April  or  .'',iy.     Ni'sts  phieed  in  trees  or  bushes. 

359a.  Kestrel,  F'alco  tinminculua.  Eggs,  rathiM-  sphericnl 
in  form,  varying  from  creamy  to  reddish  in  eolor,  spotted, 
dotted,  and  blotched  so  thickly  witli  cinnamon  or  reddish 
brown  as  to  sometimes  nearly  obscure  the  ground  color;  l.fij 
-f  1.29  to  1.60  -\-  1.30.  Extralimital ;  breeds  in  Europe.  Bird 
accidental  in  Massachusetts,  See  "Auk"  for  Ji-.nuary,  1888, 
p.  110. 

360.  American  Sparrow  Hawk,  Falco  sparveriii^.  (Type, 
Plate  v.)  Eggs,  4  to  7,  quite  sj^herical,  creamy  or  light  buff, 
sprinkled,  spuited,  or  blotched,  usually  thickly  enough  to  nearly 
obscure  the  ground  markings;  1.05  -\-  1.20  to  1.35  -\-  1.48. 
Breeds  throughout  the  whole  of  North  America,  but  is  rare  iu 
New  England.  Nests  i)laced  in  holes  of  trees,  or  occasionally 
in  holes  of  cliffs;  the  eggs  are  deposited  in  Florida  in  April, 
in  May  farther  north. 

361.  Cuban  Sparrow  Hawk,  Falco  spm'verioides.  Eggs, 
8  or  4,  rather  si)herical,  quite  sparsely  spotted  and  mottled 
with  yellowish  brown;  l.OS  -{-  1.28  to  1.10 -f  1.30.  Breeds 
m  Cuba,  thus  is  extralimital.  Bird  said  to  be  accidental  in 
Florida   (occurrence  doubtful). 

362.  AuDirnoN's  Caracara,  Polyborns  cheriway.  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  rather  spherical,  varying  from  yellowish  white  to  tan- 
color,  sprinkled,  spotted,  and  blotched,  with  sepia-brown,  often 
BO  thickly  as  to  nearly  cover  the  surface;  but  in  other  speci- 
mens the  markings  will  be  confined  to  the  larger  end,  and  all 
gradations  occur  between  these  extremes ;  1.75-1-2.2')  to  1.90 
-f-  2.44.  Breeds  in  Middle  Florida,  Texas,  Arizona,  and  Lower 
California,  south  to  Ecuador  and  Guiana,  in  Aj^ril,  IMay,  and 
June.     Nests  placed  in  trees. 

363.  Guadalupe  Caracara,  Polyhorv.s  lutosiis.  Eggs,  in- 
distinguishable from  those  of  No.  ^62.  Breeds  in  the  Guada- 
lupe  Islands,  Lower  California. 


64 


KOaS:   OF  NOIiTII   AMKHICAN    HlflDS. 


I 


8()4.  Amickican  Osr'REY,  Pandion  haliff'etus  Caroline) mis. 
Egt;s,  "1  to  4,  rather  spherical,  varying  froiu  creamy  to  decidedly 
pinkish,  spotted,  blotched,  and  sprinkled,  often  so  thickly  as  to 
cover  the  entire  surface.  In  other  specimens  the  markings, 
which  are  reddish  or  purplish  brown  or  umber,  will  be  con- 
fined to  the  larger  end,  while  rarely  one  will  occur  which  is 
unmarked,  and  all  gradations  will  occur  between  ;  1.60  -|-  2.30 
to  l.yO  -j-  'J.50.  Breeds  throughout  North  America,  in  the 
wilder  sections,  from  Hudson's  B.ay  and  Alaska,  southward  to 
Northern  South  America,  in  April  and  May.  Nests  placed  in 
trees,  or  occasionally  on  the  ground. 

Family  XXXV.  — STUIGIDvE.    Barn  Owls. 

Eggs,  always  white,  oval  in  form,  usually  placed  in  roughly 
constructed  nests,  situated  in  caves,  ruined  buildings,  holes  in 
cliffs,  etc. 

3G5.  American  Barn  Owl,  Strix  pratincola.  (Type, 
Plate  VII.)  Eggs,  3  to  8;  1.20  +  1.C5  to  1.25  +  1.70. 
Breeds  throughout  the  warmer  parts  of  North  America,  from 
the  Middle  States  and  California  south  through  Mexico,  in 
April  and  May.  Nests  sometimes  placed  in  ruins,  but  oftener 
in  holes  of  trees,  or  in  holes  in  cliffs  or  banks  of  earth. 

Family  XXXVI.  —  BUBONIDiE.    Horned  Owls,  Etc. 

Eggs,  varying  from  spherical  to  oval,  witli  the  former-nameu 
shape  predominating;  size  alone  distinguishes  them,  as  they 
are  all  white.     Nests  in  a  variety  of  situations. 

366.  American  LoNG-EAKED  Owl,  Ylsio«oi7so?iia««s.  Eggs, 
3  to  6,  spherical  or  rounded  oval;  1.30  +  1.35  to  1.50  -|-  1.65. 
Breeds  throughout  temperate  North  America ;  in  March  in 
the  southern  portion,  and  in  April  and  May  farther  north,  and 
nests  have  been  taken  as  late  as  July.  Nests  usually  placed 
in  the  deserted  structures  of  other  birds,  but  the  owls  occa- 
sionally construct  u  nest  of  their  own ;  thus  they  usually  breed 
in  trees. 


»^ 


EGGS  OF  NOHTIl  AMKlilUAN  lilliDS. 


65 


367.  SnoRT-EAUKi)  Owi,,  Asia  accipitrinus.  E.frgH,  4  to  7, 
ratluTcUii.ticiil ;  \:1'1  -f-  l.iV)  to  l.:]U  -f  l.OO.  Bnu-iKs  through- 
out tcmjxTHti'  ;ui(l  i\rctic  Norlli  America,  but  more  ahuii- 
dantly  in  the  nortJicrii  j)ortiotis,  in  April  and  May;  also  in  the 
Ohl  VVorl'I.     Ni'sts  placed  on  the  ground  or  in  low  hushes. 

3G8.  I3akri-:i)  Owl,  Si/i'nlion  nebitlosinn.  Eggs,  'J  or  3, 
rather  Rpherieal ;  1.55-1-  1.S.3  to  1.70  +  2.00.  Breeds  in  the 
wilder  portions  of  Eastern  l' nited  States,  excepting  Florida,  in 
March  and  April.  Neils  placed  in  holes  of  trees  or  in  trees; 
the  deserted  nest  of  some  large  bird  being  frequently  used. 

8G8a.  Florida  Bakrkk  Owl,  SyiniUon  nehulosnni  allani. 
Eggs,  3  or  4,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  vJGS,  but  are 
a  little  smaller ;  the  nesting  habits  are  similar,  lii-eeds  in 
Florida,  and  possibly  in  Texas,  in  February  and  March. 

3G9.  Spotted  Owl,  iiyrnium  occhlentale.  Eggs,  accord- 
ing to  llidgway,  measure  1.80  -f-  2.05.  The  bird  has  been 
taken  in  New  Mexico,  Arizona,  California,  Lower  California, 

and  Mexico. 

;i70.  (JiiEAT  Gray  0\\l,  Scotiaptex  cinerca.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
rather  oval;  1.78-)- 2.25  to  1.80  -f  2.30.  Breeds  in  Arctic 
America,  in  May.     Nests  placed  in  trees. 

370a.  Lapp  Owl,  Scotiaptcx  cAncrea  lapjy  icn.  Eggs,  in- 
distinguishable from  those  of  No.  370.  Extraiimital.  Breeds 
in  the  arctic  ])ortions  of  the  Old  World ;  bird  accideiital  in 
Alaska. 

371.  Kiciiardsox's  Owl,  Nijctala  tengmabni  ri<;h(n'dso?n. 
Eggs,  4  to  5,  rather  spherical;  1.05  -f  1.25  to  1.08  -|-  1.28. 
lireeds  in  Arctic  Ame.ica,  south  at  least  to  tlu;  IMagdalen  Isl- 
ands, Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  in  ]\Iay.  Nests  placed  in  holes  of 
trees. 

372.  Sav.'-'whet  Owl,  X>/ctal<i  acadicn.  Eggs,  3  to  5, 
rather  spherical ;  .95  -|-  .88  to  .!)()  -f-  1.00.  Breeds  throughout 
North  America,  from  the  Middle  States  northward,  in  May. 
Nests  placed  in  holes  of  trees. 

373.  ScuEEcn-OwL,  Megascops  asio.     (Type,  Plate  VIL) 


I  ^ 


I 


66 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


m 


Eggs,  4  to  G,  rather  spherical  ;  1.30  +  1.50  to  1.35  -f  1.55. 
Breeds  in  temperate  Eastern  North  America,  south  to  Georgia 
and  west  to  the  phiins,  in  April  and  May.  Nests  usually 
placed  in  holes  of  trees. 

yySa.  Floiuda  Sc'KKiocH-OwL,  Megascops  asio  Jloridamis. 
Eggs,  2  or  3,  rather  s;;iierical  ;  1.10  +  1.25  to  1.15  +  1.30. 
Breeds  in  Southern  Georgia  and  Florida,  in  March  and  April. 

373^*.  Tkx'ax  SciiEKCii-OwL,  Megascops  cmo  mocalU.  Eggs, 
2  or  3,  ppherical;  .95 -|-  1.13  to  1.00  -f-  1.15.  Breeds  in  the 
valley  of  the  Lower  Rio  Grande,  Texas,  south  to  Guatemala, 
in  Marcli. 

373c.  California  Sckeecii-Owi.,  Megascops  asio  bendirei. 
Eggs,  'udistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  373.  Breeds  in  the 
coast  regions  of  California,  in  April. 

37-')(/.  Kennicott's  8creecii-0\vl,  Megascops  asio  kcnni- 
cottii.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  373.  Breeds 
in  the  noi-thwest  coast  regi'n  from  Sitka  to  Oregon,  and  east- 
ward to  Idaho  and  Montana. ,  in  May. 

373(?.  Rocky  Mountain  ScREEcn-OwL,  Megascops  asio 
maxwcllice.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  373. 
Breeds  in  the  Rocky  Mountains,  from  Colorado  to  Montana,  in 
May. 

373/1  ALexk'an  Sc'KEK(:ii-()ni>,  J)!'.'gascn2'>s  asio  irichopsis. 
Eggs,  indilinguishable  from  those  of  No.  373,  but  are,  per- 
haps, a  little  smaller.  Breeds  in  New  Mexico,  Arizona,  Lower 
California,  and  Northwestern  Mexico. 

374.  Fi.AMMui.Ai  !:i>  Owl,  Megascops  jlanimeolns.  Eggs,  2 
or  3,  splierical ;  .00  -[-  1.13.  IJreeds  in  Colorado,  and  ])rol)ably 
south  to  Mexico  and  .Guatemala,  in  June.  Nests  placed  in 
holes  of  trees. 

375.  Giii'AT  lioRNTD  OwL,  Ihiho  virginianus.  Eggs,  2 
or  3,  rather  spherical.  l.Sl  -f- 2.1s  t«.  2.00 -{-  2.85.  Breeds 
throughout  Eastern  North  Aniorici,  west  to  the  IMississippi 
Valley,  and  from  Labrador  south  to  Costa  Rica  ;  in  Decem- 
ber in  Fl<*)'i(bi ;  January,  February,  :nid  March  as  we  advance 


rii iiiniiiiiHr^^""-'---™---— •"•^-^iriiirwiiBiiBr"'^"-™™'"*^^ 


! 


t 


PL  .ATE   VI. 


2G3 


13  C, 


-ItO 


277 


..'.^ 


280 


•■-»*■"■ 


U.O. 


f> 


^• 


"^ 


¥MfiitmmMmirMMmiaa«»j«.».:-,,^)y^|t^.«^.,.^..,^,^„^ 


EGGS  OF  Nonrn  amkrwan  iurds.  §f 

northward.     Xests    placed     in    trees,    often    ii,    the    deserted 
nests  of  other  hirge  birds,  or  in  natural  cavities  of  stubs. 

ni^xf.  Westicij.v  IIuknkt)  Owl,  Jinbo  virr/iidnnus  suhnrcti- 
CHS.  Egors,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  JiTr).  Ilreeds 
in  Western  United  States,  from  the  Great  Plains,  westward  ; 
sontiiward  to  tiie  Mexican  table-lands. 

.•'.rr.^A  Au('Ti(;  IIoitXKi)  0\\-L,  JiHoo  iHrfjinicmus  arctiaia. 
Egys,  indistin<.uishable  from  those  of  No.  875.  Breeds  in  the 
interior  of  Arctic  Anienca. 

375c.  DisKY  IIouxKo  ChvL,Jhibo  virgbniums  saturatus. 
Eggs,  i.idisting.iishal)].'  from  those  of  No.  875.  Breeds  in  the 
nortliwest  const  region,  from  Columbia  Kiver  nortliward  ; 
also  in  Labrador. 

876.  ^  ."jwY  Owi.,  N'l/ctea  ?ii/cfea.  Eairs,  4  to  8,  oblonrr 
oval;  .  4-  2.50  to  1.88  -f  2.55.  Bre.'ds  in  the  northern 
portions  of  tiie  North.crn  Hemisphere,  in  North  America,  usu- 
ally north  of  the  llnite.l  States,  in  May  and  June.  Nests 
placed  on  the  ground  or  on  rocks. 

877.  ITaavk  Owl,  Sur^na  uhda.  Eggs,  4  to  7,  oblon<^  oval ; 
l.'iO  -f  1.50  to  1.80  +  l.(;2.  Breeds  in  the  arctic  portions  of 
the  Old  World,  and  is  thus  e.vtrali.nital ;  bird  casual  in  Alaska. 

877a.  Ameui.-ax  Hawk  Owl,  Siirnia  idtda  caparocli.  Eggs, 
4  to  7,  .similar  in  form  and  size  to  tliose  of  No.  877.  Breecfslti 
Arctic  America,  in  April  and  May.  Nests  placed  in  hi-', 
trees. 

878.  BuKHowiXG  Owl,  SpeoUjto  cumcnlaria  hiipoqcm. 
Eggs,  5  Uj  10,  rounded  oval;  1.05 -f  1.80  to  1.1;!  ^1  ].8r,. 
Breeds  in  the  United  States,  from  the  Pacific  coast  to  the 
Great  Plains,  south  to  Central  America.  JTi  Ajr.il.  N.sts 
I'lace.l  in  the  burrows  dug  by  the  ]n-airie  dog. 

878a.  Floiuda  BiriiHowmc  Owl,  Sj,rot;/o  cwucal,,,-:,!  fl.ori- 
lima.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  87S.  B*reeds 
in  Florida,  in  March  and  April,  probably  in  the  holes  du<'  by 
the  Gupher  turtle.  ^ 


08 


EG«S'  OF  NORTH  AMEliKHN  BIRDS. 


m 


lily 


371).  Pv(isrY  Owr,  (UancicUum  gnoma.  Eggs,  2  or  3,  oblong 
oval,  more  poiiitcil  at  one  ond ;  .87  -|-  1.17  to  ,90  -|~  1.18. 
Jiroeds  in  Western  Ignited  States,  from  the  I'acific  coast  to 
Colorado,  and  from  ]5ritish  Columbia  south  to  the  t;il)le-iands 
of  iVIexico,  exeepthig  California  and  coast  north,  in  May. 
Nests  jilaced  in  holes  of  trees. 

r)79(/.  Caufounia  Pyoah'  Owl,  Glaucidiuni  gnoma  caUfor- 
niciivt.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  .'>79,  and 
the  nes'ing  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  California  and  coast 
region,  north  into  British  Columbia. 

379/'>.  IIosKiNs's  Pycjiv  ()\vr.,  Claucidhim  hosJiinsii.  De- 
scribed by  Mr.  Brewster,  in  "  Auk  "  for  April,  1888.  Eggs, 
unknown.     Breeds  in  Lower  Califnrnia. 

380.  Fkuui](;ix()US  Py(;my  Owl,  Glancldiian  phalmnoldefi. 
Eggs,  probably  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  379. 
Breeds  in  Texas  and  Arizona,  south  to  Southern  Brazil. 

381,  Elf  Owl,  MicropaUifs  ti^hitneyi.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  rather 
splierieal  ;  .90  4-  1.00  to  S)^^  -j-  1.67.  Breeds  in  Southern  and 
Lower  California  and  Ari/:oMa,  south  into  j\fexieo,  in  IMay  and 
June,  Nests  placed  in  tlie  deserted  holes  of  Woodpeckers, 
usually  made  in  the  giant  cactus. 


ORDER  xriT.-PSITTACI.    Parrots. 

Eggs  of  this  order  are  usiL'dly  placed  in  nests  built  in  natu- 
ral cavities  of  trees,  or  in  holes  in  river  banks. 


w 


Family  XXXVIL  — PSITTACID^E.     P,\ri{ots   am.    I»au- 

(tiilJKTS. 

Eggs,  white  or  greeiiish,  imsjiotU'd  ;  the  number  (leposited 
is  j)robaltly  2.  but  as  a  number  of  m<lividuals  often  lay  in  one 
cavity,  this  is,  in  some  species,  uncertain. 

38*2.  Cmiolixa  Paroqjkt,  ('o?ii(riis  rarolinaisis.  Eggs,  2, 
rather  oval,  pointed  at  one  eu<i,  creamy  while;  1.07   -f   1.35  to 


1 


■Mw*wwmiM5ajsr=:ss: 


^^^v 


EGGS   OF   NORTH   AMKlllCA  N   lilRDS. 


69 


1.14  ~j-  1.45.  Broprls  it!  the  <iulf  States  nii'l  Lower  Missis- 
sippi Valley,  luit  oiiir  in  i»-irti(Ml:ir  locatioiH,  I'vcii  i;i  tli'is  now 
limited  ruii<jje.  It  formerly  occurrotl  ovor  a  niiicli  more  ex- 
tended aoetion,  but  is  now  evjdefitly  iKH-omiiig  exterminated. 
Eggs,  ds'i>osit(Ml  in  June,  or,  popsil>l\,  earlier. 


ORDER  XTV.— COCCYGES.    Cuckoos,  etc. 

Ejr.ijs,  usually  elliptical,  ofu  ii  bluish  or  greenish,  and  fre- 
quently covered  with  a  chalky  iucrustatiori,  soft  when  fresh, 
but  hardening  upon  exposurii 

Family  XXXVTII.  —  CirCULID.E.     Cuckoos,  Anis,  eto. 

Eggs,  few  or  many,  tleposited  in  nests  that  are  constructed 
of  sticks  and  that  are  ahnost  aJwayj  placed  in  trees  or  bushes, 
seldom,  if  ever,  on  the  ground. 

88o.  Ani,  Crotophaga  ani.  (Type,  Plate  X.)  Eg,>s,  4  to 
lU,  elliptic;'.!  or  oval,  pale  greenish  blue,  but  this  color  i;^  nearly 
or  quite  concealed  by  a  white,  cah'areous  deposit;  1.10  -j-  1.40 
to  1.15  4-  1-50.  Breeds  on  the  B;.lianias,  in  the  W(>sl  Indies, 
and  Eastern  South  America ;  in  the  former  n.-mied  locality  iti 
Ai)ril.     Nests  placed  in  trees. 

B84.  GuoovE-RiLLKi)  Axi,  Croto2iha<i(i  snlcirostris.  Eggs, 
.similar  in  form  ;ind  color  to  those  of  No.  SSo,  l»ut  ar«'  smaller; 
M)  +  1.15  to  .90  +  1.25.  Krveds  in  Low.'r  Californi;.  and 
valley  of  the  Louver  Kio  (.Brando.  Texa-*,  south  to  Nortlieru 
South  America. 

385.  Ro.*A»-Bi  NNKR,  Geococcyx  calif ornian us.  Eggs,  2  to 
12,  vouij4e«l  <>val,  bluish  green,  covered  so  thickly  with  a  hard 
calcareous  deposit  as  fo  cornea!  (1  i^  col()r;  \:1V>  -{-  X.'.u,  Ui  \:1'1 
-\-  1.00.  iireeds  in  Texas,  New  Mexico,  Soutlicrn  Colorado, 
and  westward  to  Californi;!,  south  into  Mexico,  in  April  ami 
May. 

38<i.  Man(;uovk  CiTKuo.  (.'occj/ZKS  rtu'n.'u:  Kgtrs  -  <<>  4, 
iudistinguishabie  from  tkose  of  No.  387.     Breeds  throughout 


1  .  w 


70 


KGOS  OF  yOUTH  AMKIUCAN  lilliDf-. 


tho  West  Indies,  Routli  of  the  Ijahainaa,  and  Bouthward ;  possi- 
bly also,  Viiroly,  oit  tlic  Florida  Keys. 

380^.  jMaynauo's  Cuckoo,  Cocci/zus  minor  mayimrdi 
(Ridi^way).  Kuti's,  uiikiiow!:,  but  |)rol)ably  indistinguishable 
from  those  of  No.  ;iS7.  Hrceds  on  the  IJaiiamas,  and  ])rol)ably 
on  the  Florida  Keys  and  adjacent  niaiidand.  This  species  has 
recently  been  described  by  Mr.  Kobcrt  Kidgway  in  ids  work, 
"Mannal  of  North  American  Birds,"  1887,  p.  '274,  and  is  wiiat 
was  formerly  in  part  considered  as  tho  Mangrove  Cuckoo, 
<\  minor. 

CS7.  YHi,Low-niLM:n  Cuokoo.  (Typo,  Plate  X.)  Eggs,  2 
to  t,  oHi})tical,  light  greenish  blue,  nnspott'^d,  but  sometimes 
overu-ashed  with  whitish;  .75-}-  1.10  to  .80  -|-  l.:.^S.  Distin- 
guished from  those  of  No.  388  by  the  large  size  and  pale 
colors.  Breeds  in  temperate  North  Ainerica,  from  New 
Brunswick  atxl  Canada,  Minnesota,  Nevada,  and  Oregon,  south 
to  Costa  Ki(!a,  but  does  not  nest  in  Florida  at  all  commonly, 
and  IS  of  irregular  occurrence  in  New  England.  Eggs,  depos- 
itee! in  Juno.     Nests  ])laced  in  trees  or  bushes. 

387«.  Camforma  CrcKOO,  Coccijzus  amoviCtiDa  occiden- 
tedis.  Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  Xo.  387.  Breeds  in  Western 
tlnited  States,  froin  Oregon  south  ihroutih  the  tabledands  of 
Mexico,  east  to  New  Mexico  and.  Colorado.  See  Ridgway  in 
"Manual  of  North  American  Birds,"  1887,  p.  273. 

388.  BLAf'K-KiLLKn  Cu(nvOO,  C'occjizus  enithrophthdnms. 
Eggs,  li  to  4,  elliptical,  quite  dark  liluish  green,  occasionally 
spotted  with  a  darker  shade  of  the  same;  .70 -j-  l-*^0  to  .75 
-f-  l.'ir;.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North  Anuirica  from  Labrador  and 
Manitoba,  south  to  Florida,  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains. 


Family  XXXIX.  —  TROGONTDJ^l     TnoGONS. 


Members  of  this  family  are  said  to  place  their  nests  in  boles 
of  tr'.-es,  but  1  have  never  seen  an  egg  of  any  of  the  species. 
38b.   CoppjcBV-TAiLKP  TuoGON.     Eggs,  evidently  unknown. 


EGGS   OF  NORTH  AMERICAN   BIRDS. 


71 


—  at  least,  I  have  never  seen  a  description  of  them.  Breeds 
ill  Mexico,  north  to  the  valley  of  the  Lower  Rio  Grande  in 
Texas. 

Family  XL.  —  ALCIDINID/E.     KINGli-lH^KR^^. 

Eggs,  white  with  tlie  surface  polished,  rather  spliei'ical,  and 
are  |)Iaced  in  holes  in  banks  of  eartii,  excavated  by  the  birds. 

390.  Bkltkd  Kixgfisxiek,  Ceri/le  ulci/oii.  Eggs,  4  to  fj, 
oval;  l.OS  +  1.20  to  l.K'i  -f  .1.40.  Breeus  throiigbuut  North 
America,  south  to  Panama,  Isaiiama.s,  and  West  Indies,  includ- 
ing Florida,  in  May.  Nests  placed  in  banks,  often  at  some 
distance  from  water. 

39L  Texan  Kingfisher,  Ccryle  cabanisi.  Eggs,  4  to  6, 
oval;  .71  4-  .95  to  .75  -f  1.00.  Breeds  in  the  valley  of  the 
Lower  Rio  Grande,  Texas,  and  Lower  Colorado  River,  and 
Arizona,  south  to  Ecuador  and  Western  Peru,  in  April. 


ORDER  XV. 


■PIOI.    Woodpeckers,  Wrynecks, 
Etc. 


Eggs,  white  with  the  surface  polished,  elli)>tical,  or  oval,  and, 
in  most  cases,  deposited  in  holes  of  trees. 


' 


Family  XLL— PICm.E.     Woodpeckers. 

Egas,  polished,  wbitp,  thus  size  alone  distinguishes  them. 
They  are,  almost  without  exception,  ;)laccd  in  holes  of  trees 
drilled  by  the  birds. 

392.  IvouY-RiLLKi)  Woodpecker,  Campephilus  principalis. 
Eggs,  4  or  5,  oblong  uval ;  .05  -f  1.25  lo  1.00  ~f  1.40.  Bree<ls 
in  the  Gulf  States  and  Lower  Ivlississinpi  \"alley,  where  they 
are  now  only  locally  disTributed.     Eggs,  deposited  in  A{)ril. 

393.  ILuRV  WooDprciCER,  Dryohai'  uil'o,sus.  Eggs,  4  or 
5,  elliptical  or  oval ;  .65  4-  .70  to  .75  -I-  .80.  Breeds  in  the 
middle  portion  of  the  Eastern  T~iiiled  St  tes,  from  the  Atlan- 
tic coast  to  the  Great  Plains,  in  Mny. 


K 


it 


72 


EGGS  OF  Nonrri  American  iuhds. 


SO'iu.  NoiiTiiKiiN  IIaiuy  WooDPEfiKioK,  J)r>/ohates  villosu.: 
leucomdds.  Eggs,  similar  to  thoao  of  No.  393,  but  aro  a  Hltlo 
lavijjc'r.  IJrccds  in  Northern  North  America,  so)ith  to  the 
nortiiern  border  of  the  United  States,  in  May. 

393/-».  SouTiiKJjN  Il.vmv  Woodi'Ecker,  Jfryolxites  viUosxs 
andubo)iii.  Eggs,  indistinguisliable  from  tlioso  of  No.  393, 
but  are,  pcirhaps,  a  little  sraalJ'^r.  Breeds  in  the  Southern 
United  States,  east  of  the  plains. 

393c'.  IIakris's  Woodpecker,  Dryobates  villosus  harrisii. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  393.  Breeds  in 
Western  United  States,  from  the  Rocky  Mountains  to  the 
Pacific  coast,  south  into  Mexico  and  Central  America. 

o93f?.  Cabanis's  Woodpkckkr,  Dryobates  villosus  hylosco- 
pus.  Eggs,  probably  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  393. 
Breeds  in  the  interior  of  extreme  Western  North  America. 

394.  Downy  Woodpecker,  Dryobates  2>tibescens.  Eggs, 
4  or  5,  varying  from  el]i])tical  to  oval ;  .50  -|-  .G5  to  .55  -f-  .70. 
Breeds  in  Northern  and  Eastern  North  America,  from  liritish 
Columbia  and  the  eastern  edge  of  the  plains,  northward  and 
eastward,  in  May. 

394a.  GAiKDNK'i's  Woodpecker,  Dryobates  pubescens 
gairdnerii.  Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  394,  but  are  larger  ; 
.80  -1-  .90  to  .S5  -\-  .C5.  Breeds  in  Western  United  States, 
from  the  Rocky  Mountains  westward,  in  May. 

394&.  Smoky  Woodjmccker,  Dryobates  pi/besceus  /umidits. 
Eggs,  probably  indistinguish.able  from  those  of  No.  304. 
Breeds  on  Vancouver's  Island  and  possil)Iy  along  the  coast 
region  of  United  States  and  northward.  Described  l)y  May- 
nard  in  "The  Ornithologist  and  Oologist"  for  April,  1889, 
p.  58.      ' 

395.  Red-cockaded  Woodpecker,  Dryobates  borealis. 
Eggs,  4  or  5,  varying  from  elliptical  to  oval;  .55 -f- .70  to 
.65  -j-  .75.  Breeds  in  Southeastern  United  States,  from  New 
Jersey,  Teimessee,  and  Indian  Territory,  south  to  Eastern 
Texas  and  the  Gulf  coast,  in  May. 


P'    ATL    V!l. 


o73 


C  J.M. 


1  ' 


f 


ff. 


'■k 


Eaas   OF  NOHTll  AMKIIWAN   IlIHhS. 


78 


k 


39(5.  'I'kxan  \Vot)i>i'K<KKU,  Ihyobatcfi  scah/rin  f)fn't'(7i.  Eijg;?, 
4  or  .'),  ohloiirr  oval;  .70  -f  .05  to  .75  -f-  1.00.  iJrceds  in  the 
soiitlicrii  bopltrof  the  iriiiti.'(l  Stfitos,  from  Texas  to  California, 
Houlli  into  Mexico. 

.'iO(i«.  Satnt  Lucas  WoonrKCKKii,  Pri/ohates  scidnns  en- 
caf<(inHs.  Ksi:,t:s,  unknown,  Inil  inobahly  indistinLTwisiiahlc 
from  tlioHo  of  No.  3!tt!.     Breeds  in  Lower  C-alifornia. 

551*7.  Ni'i'TAi.i.'s  Wo()I)I>k(;kkr,  J)i'i/uh(ilcs  nuttaUi.  Eggs, 
iiHlistinguishal)le  from  tliose  of  No.  3J)0,  Breeds  in  Californi.'*, 
in  JMay. 

308.  AiMZoxA  WooDi'KCKKK,  Dvifohatcs  arizoiKv.  Kggs,  un- 
known, l)ut  probably  not  differing  from  tliose  of  No.  895. 
Breeds  in  Southern  Arizona,  south  into  Western  Mexieo,  in 
April. 

899.  WiilTK-i.KADKi)  Woor>T'K<"Ki:i{,  XenopicvH  <ilh(>l(tv(jfiis. 
Eggs,  4  or  5,  olilong  oval ;  .78  -f-  .!t5  to  .70  -f-  ^-O-.  Hree(ls  in 
the  Pacific  coast  region,  from  Washington  'i'erritory  south 
to  Southern  California,  east  to  the  eastern  slope  of  the  Sicrr.i 
Nevada. 

400.  Arctic  Tin;KK-Toi;n  Woodpi'.ckkh,  PIcoidcii  arcticns. 
Eggs,  rather  elliptical;  .70 -f  .!>!  to  .7(5  -1-  .92.  Breeds  in 
Northern  North  America,  from  the  Arctic  regions  south  to  the 
northern  border  of  the  United  States,  and  farther  south  along 
the  mountain  ranges,  in  May. 

401.  American  TnuEi:-i\)i:D  Woor)FK<'KBR,  Picoides  ameri- 
canus.  Eggs,  varying  from  ellijitieal  to  oval;  .05 -f-  .90  to 
.70  -j-  .95.  Breeds  in  North  America,  from  the  northern  bor- 
der of  the  United  States,  northward  and  along  the  mountain 
ranges  farther  south,  in  May. 

401a.  Alaskan  Tiiree-tokd  Wooi)I'E(!Ker,  Picoides  mneri- 
cani/,^  nl(f{iceiisis.  Eggs,  j)robably  similar  to  those  of  No.  401. 
Breeds  in  Alaska. 

4015.  Ai.iMNE  Thrke-tokd  Woodpecker,  Picoides  arneri- 
camcs  dorsalis.     Eggs,  prob;il)ly  similar  to  those  of  No.  401. 


I 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-S) 


7 


1.0 


1.1 


11.25 


■  so    ■■■      ll^ 

Ins 

S   lit    ■" 


Hiotographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


\ 


# 


33  WIST  MAIN  STRUT 

WnSTM.N.Y.  MSSO 

(716)  S73-4S03 


^'. 


"^^^ 


o 


T4 


EGOS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


Breeds  in  the  Rocky  Mountain  region  of  the  Uniti'd  States, 
80uth  into  New  Mexico. 

40*2.  YiiLLow-HELLiKi)  Sap-suckeh,  Sphyropiciis  varlus. 
Eggs,  4  to  7,  rather  oval ;  .60  -j-  .75  to  .75  -j-  ..S.'>.  Breeds  in 
North  America,  from  Northern  New  England  northwar<],  in 
May. 

402a.  Red-napkd  Sap-suckeu,  Sphi/rapicus  variiis  nuchalis. 
Eggs,  similar  in  form  and  size  to  those  of  No.  402.  Breeds  in 
the  liocky  Mountain  region  of  the  United  States,  south  into 
Mexico. 

403.  Red-bbea8Ted  Sap-sucker,  Sphyrapicus  ruber.  Eggs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  402.  Breeds  in  the 
PaciHc  coast  region  of  the  United  States,  in  May. 

404.  Williamson's  Sapsuckek,  Sphyrapicus  thyroideus. 
Eggs,  quite  similar  to  those  of  No.  402,  hut  are  a  little  larger; 
.66  -j-  •9^'  Breeds  in  the  Rocky  Mountain  region  of  the 
United  States,  next  to  tlie  Pacific  coast,  in  May. 

405.  PiLEATED  Woodpecker,  Ceophlncus  plkatus.  Eggs,  3 
or  4,  rounded  oval,  .90  +  1.40  to  1.04  +  1.50.  Breeds  in 
the  wilder,  heavily  wooded  sections  of  Norih  America,  but 
does  not  occur  in  t'ne  settled  districts.  Eggs  deposited  in 
April,  in  the  south,  later  farther  north. 

406.  RED-iinAPED  Wo()r>i'!;(;KER,  Melanerpes  crythrocepha- 
Itis.  Eggs,  4  or  5,  varying  from  elliptical  to  ov.il ;  .75  -f-  -DO  to 
.80  -|-  1.00.  Breeds  in  the  United  States,  east  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  but  r.are  in  Nev,-  England.     Nests  in  May. 

407.  California  Woodpkckkr,  Melanerpes  formicivorus 
bairdi.  Eggs,  varying  from  oval  to  elliptical ;  .75  -|-  .90  to 
.80  -f-  1.00.  Breeds  in  the  Pacific  coast  region  of  the  United 
States,  east  into  Arizona  anfl  south  into  Jiexico,  in  May. 

407flf.  Nauuow-kuontkd  Woodpeckkk,  Mdanevpes  formici- 
vorus iwyiistif'rons.  Eggs,  probably  indistinguishable  from 
those  of  No.  407.     Breeds  in  Lower  California. 

408.  LevvIs's  Woodpecker,  Melanerpes  torqnatus.  Eggs, 
4  to  6,  varying  from  elliptical  to  oval  or  spherical  ;  .92  -j-  I'lO 


'^ 


EGGS  OF  NORTn  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


76 


10  .95  -f-  1«1*--  Breeds  in  the  ^V^estern  United  States,  from 
the  Black  Hills  and  the  Kocky  Mountains  to  the  Pacific,  in 
May. 

409.  Rku-hkllikd  WooDrECKKR,  Melnnerpes  carol'mus. 
Kggs,  4  or  5,  oblong  ovul ;  .80  -|-  1.04  to  .75  -)-  .95.  Breeds 
throughout  Eastern  United  States,  west  to  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains, excepting  New  England,  in  May. 

410.  GoLDEN-FBOXTKD  WooDi'KcicER,  Mdanevpes  aurifrons. 
Egijs,  oblong  oval ;  .80  +  1-00  to  .85  4-  1.05.  Breeds  in 
Souiliern  Texas  and  Eastern  Mexico,  in  May. 

411.  Gila  Wooupeckee,  Mdaiierpea  tiropygiaUa.  Eggs,  4 
or  5,  occasionally  6,  oblong  oval;  .82  +  1.05  to  .85  -\-  1.10. 
Breeds  in  Southern  Arizon:i,  Southeastern  California,  Lower 
California,  and  Western  Mexico. 

412.  VucKi&K,  Colaptemmratnu.  (Type,  Plate  IX.)  Eggs, 
6  to  8,  in  the  North,  or  4  or  5  in  the  South ;  .75  -|-  .90  to 
.80  -j-  1.00.  Breeds  throughout  Northern  and  Eastern  North 
America,  west  to  the  eastern  sloj)e  of  the  Rocky  Mountains 
and  Alaska,  in  April  in  the  South,  and  in  May  in  New 
England. 

413.  Ri':n-SHAFTEn  Flu^kr,  Colaptes  cafer.  Eggs,  indis- 
tinguishable from  those  of  No.  412.  Breeds  in  the  Rocky 
Mountain  region  of  the  United  States,  to  the  Pacific  coast, 
north  to  Alaska,  south  to  Southern  Mexico. 

41ofl[.  NoitTnWKSTKRN  Fi.u'KER,  Colap'es  cafer  satnratior. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  412.  Breeds  in  the 
Northwest  coast  region,  from  Columbia  River  to  Sitka. 

414.  Gii.DEi)  Flkkkr,  Cohtpte.H  chrysoUJes.  Eg<>s,  4  to  6, 
varying  from  «>val  to  ellij.ticMl ;  .70  -f-  .90  to  .HO  -j-  .95. 
Breeds  in  Southern  Arizona  and  Southern  California,  nouth  to 
Cape  St.  Lucas. 

415.  GiTADALUPK  FucKKU,  Cohiptes  nifiptlens.  Eggs,  prol>- 
ably  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  414.  Breeds  in 
Guadalupe  Island,  Lower  California. 


76 


EGGS   OF  NORTH   AMERICAN   BIRDS. 


ORDER  XVI.  —  MAOROOHIRES.    Goatsuckers, 

Swifts,  etc. 

Eggs,  2  or  4,  (lepositeil  on  the  ground,  in  holes,  in  caves,  in 
hollow  trees,  in  uhiiuneys,  or  in  crevices  of  rocky  cliffs. 

Family  XLII.  —  CAPUIMULGID.E.    Goatsuckkrs,  Etc. 

Eggs,  usually  2,  elliptical,  generally  spotted,  and  deposited 
on  the  ground,  without  any  nest. 

416.  CiiucK-wiLLS-wujow,  Antrostomtts  carolinensis.  Eggs, 
2,  elliptical,  pale  salmon,  handsomely  marked  with  large  spots 
and  blotches  of  pale  brown  and  lilac,  irregularly  disposed 
over  the  entire  surface;  .95  -f-  1.30  to  1.07  -j-  1.05.  Breeds 
in  the  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States,  south  through  Eastern 
Mexico  to  Central  America  and  Cubsi,  north  into  the  interior 
to  Southern  Illinois,  in  Mav. 

417.  Wmr-roou-wiLL,  Antrostotnus  vociferus.  Eggs,  2, 
elliptical,  delicate  creamy  white,  spotted  and  blotched  irregu- 
larly with  lilac,  pale  lilac,  and  jtale  brown ;  .75  -|-  1-20  to  .80  -|- 
1.25.     Jireeds  in  Eastern  Ignited  States,  to  the  ]>1ains,  in  Miy. 

417rt.  STKniEx's  Wnip-!*oon-wiLL,  Antrostomns  vovij\'rits 
arizonm.  Eggs,  2,  elliptical,  white  or  creamy,  faintly  marked 
with  pale  brown  and  lilac  ;  .S()  -|-  1.15  to  .87  -|-  1.17.  Breeds 
in  Arizona  and  the  table-lands  of  Mexico,  in  May. 

418.  PooK-wir.L,  PhalanioptiluH  nuftnlU.  Eggs,  2,  elliptical, 
pure  white,  unspotte<l  •,  .80  -\-  l.(>5  to  .81  -\-  1.0(5.  Breeds  in 
Western  United  States,  from  the  Pacific  coast  eastward  to 
Eastern  Ni>brasKa  and  Eastern  Kansas,  south  to  Southern 
Mexico,  in  April  and  3I:iy. 

41Sa.  FuoHTKi)  ]*<)ou-\viM,,  Phihpnojttihis  nuttalli  nitidus. 
Eggs,  )>n)l)ably  similar  to  those  of  No.  418.  Breeds  in 
Arizona  and  Southern  Texas.  Recently  described  by  Mr. 
William  Brewster,  in  the  "  Auk  "  for  April,  1887. 

418A.  California  Poou-will,  Phuhv.noptilus  nuttalli  cali- 
fomicuH.     Eggs,  probably  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No. 


EGGS  OF  NOIiTII  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


7T 


418.     Breeds  in   California.      Sec   Itidgway   in   "Manual  of 
North  Aincriean  Birds,"  1887,  page  58S  in  foot-note. 

419.  pAUAitHi'^  Xi/ctt'dromus  nlbicollis  merrilU.  Eggs,  2, 
elliptical,  white  or  cn-amy,  spotted,  blotched,  and  dotted  with 
pale  drab,  lilac,  and  lavender  ;  .80  -(-  1 .10  to  .85  -f  1.1 5.  Breeds 
in  the  valley  of  the  Lower  Kio  Gratule,  south  through  Central 
and  most  of  South  America,  in  North  America  in  May. 

420.  Ni(;iniiAWK,  ( '/lordelies  virffinixums.  (Type,  Plate 
VI.)  Kgg.s,  2,  elliptical,  grayish  white,  sitottoil  and  blotched 
irregularly  with  brown,  drab,  and  lilac;  .80  -|-  1.20  to  .Ho  -\- 
1.25.  In  Northern  and  Eastern  North  America,  east  of  the 
Great  IMains,  exclusive  of  Florida,  in  May. 

420tf.  Western  Nkjuthawk,  ChordeUes  virgiyiianus  hen- 
ryi.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  froui  those  of  No.  420.  Breeds 
in  Western  United  States,  from  the  plains  to  the  Pacific 
coast,  in  May. 

4204.  Florida  Nujhtiiawk,  Chordelies  virginianua  chap- 
mani.  Eggs,  varying  from  decidedly  elliptical  to  oval  or 
rounded  elliptical,  but  do  not  differ  in  color  from  those  of 
No.  420.  The  eggs  of  the  last  three  numbers  are,  however, 
often  finely  and  uniformly  spotted  over  the  entire  surface  ; 
.7;-,  _i_  1.10  to  .80  -f  1.15.  Breeds  in  Florida,  and  probably 
as  far  north  as  the  Cnrolinas,  in  May.  I  have  decided  to 
give  the  form  of  Nighthawk  which  occurs  in  Florida  the 
name  used  above,  for  the  birds  found  breeding  there  are  cer- 
tainly not  the  Cuban  Nighthawk.  Four  years  ago,  upon 
examining  some  Nighthawks  from  Florida,  I  had  some  doubts 
as  to  the  identity  of  this  form  with  the  Cuban  (See  Quarterly 
Journal  Boston  Zoological  Society,  July,  18S.'{,  p.  44),  ami  a 
familiarity  with  the  Cuban  Nighthawk,  accjuired  since  then, 
together  with  an  opportunity  of  examining  a  very  large  series 
of  birds  from  Florida,  has  confirmed  these  doubts.  This  new 
Nighthawk  may  be  bri(>ny  described  as  follows,  but  a  more 
detailed  description  may  be  foujid  in  my  "  Birds  of  Eastern 
North  America,"  second  reviseil  edition. 

Chordelies  virginianus  chapmani.     Colors  averaging  darker 


[ 


78 


EGGS  OF  NOUTll   AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


than  those  of  the  Conimon  Nighthawk,  with  rather  loss  siifTu- 
8ion,  otherwise  siriiiiar,  size  absolutely  less,  the  Florida  sub- 
species bein<5  a  smaller  and  much  more  slender  bird,  but  the 
bills  are  larger,  at  least  proportionately.  Average  dimensions  : 
length,  8.90;  stretih,  22.20;  wing,  7.(}6;  tail,  4.1  G;  bill,  .2f>; 
tarsus,  .56. 

Norr:  to  4:!i)ff.  — Since  the  above  was  written,  Mr.  ScnnHtt  hns  sepa- 
fjiUfd  the  Florida  Xisjlilhawk  from  the  Northern  bird,  sivii.'g  It  the  ni'.mc 
above  used.  See  '•  Auk  "  for  April,  lvS88.  Breeds  In  Florida,  probably 
north  to  South  Carolinu,  and  in  Texas. 

421.  Texan  Nkiiitiiawk,  Chordeliea  texensis.  Eggs,  rather 
oval,  ashy  white,  spotted  and  blotched  so  thickly  with  black, 
umber,  and  ])urpli8li  gray  as  to  often  completely  obs(*uro  the 
ground  color  ;  .85  -|-  1.10  to  .75  -\-  1.18.  Breeds  in  the  south- 
ern border  of  the  United  States,  from  Texas  to  Caliiornia, 
south  to  Central  America. 


Family  XLITI.  —  MICROPODIDiE.     Swifts. 

Eggs,  oval  in  form,  more  than  2  in  number,  and  placed  in 
nests  constructed  by  the  birds,  in  hollow  trees,  chimneys,  in 
cavities  of  rocky  cliffs,  in  caves,  buildings,  ami,  in  some  tropi- 
cal species,  beneath  leaves  of  the  palms. 

422.  Bi.A(^K  Swift,  (^i/pneloi(les  n!ffer.  Eggs,  4  or  5,  white, 
oval;  .08  -\-  .96  to  .71  -|-  1.00.  Breeds  in  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tain region,  from  Colorado  north  to  British  Columbia,  and  in 
the  West  Indies.  Nests  placed  in  cavities  of  buildings,  com- 
posed of  sticks  loosely  laid  together,  and  lined  with  leaves. 

423.  Chimnky  Swift,  C/iutura  pdagica.  (Type,  Plate 
X  )  Eggs,  4  to  6,  white,  oval,  but  rather  obtuse  at  the  large 
end ;  .75  -f-  .50  to  .85  -}-  .55.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North  Amer- 
ica, nor'h  to  Labrador  and  the  fur  countries,  west  to  the  plains, 
south  to  (-Jcorgia.  Nests  composed  oi'  twigs,  glued  tt)gether 
with  a  tnncilaginons  substance  that  is  secreted  by  glantls  that 
are  situated  in  the  lower  portion  of  the  mouth,  and  placed,  aa 
a  rule,  in  chimneys,  but  occasionally  in  hollow  trees  or  in  the 
interior  of  buildings ;  eggs  dei)0sited  in  May. 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIIiDS. 


79 


424.  Vaux's  Swift,  Chcetura  vauxii.  Eggs,  ijwlistiiicijuish- 
able  froin  those  of  No.  423,  but  are  perhaps  a  little  smiilier ; 
.49  -|-  •"'•  Breeds  on  the  Pacific  slope,  from  British  Columbia 
southward,  in  May,  nesting  in  hollow  trees. 

425.  WiiiTK-TiiuoATKD  Swii'T,  Mict'opus  melutioleucus . 
Eggs,  unknown.  Breeds  in  the  Western  United  States,  from 
the  Rocky  Mountain  to  the  Pacitic,  south  to  Central  America, 
nesting  in  holes  of  inaccessible  cliffs,  in  May. 


Family  XLTV.  —  TROCHILID^.    Hummino-bikdr. 

Eggs,  usually  2  in  niimbor,  elliptical  in  form,  white  in 
color,  i)laced  in  delicately  constructed  nests  that  are  fastened 
to  branches  of  trees  or  bushes  or  vines,  and  in  some  c.ises  to 
leaves. 

420.  Rivoi.i  HuMMivG-iunD,  Evycnes  fnlffens.  Eggs  and 
nests,  similar  to  those  of  No.  42S.  Breeds  in  Southern  Arizona 
and  through  Mexico  to  Guatemala,  in  June. 

427.  Bluk-thboatki)  IIuMMiNd-iiiRn,  Cfelif/ena  clemericim. 
Eggs,  unknown.     Breeds  in  Mexico  and  Southern  Arizona. 

428.  RuHY-TIIKOATKn  IIUMMING-BIRI).  (Tyjjc,  Plixte  VIII.) 
Trochilus  colubris.  Eggs,  .35  -j-  .50  to  .38  -j-  .r>2.  Nests, 
composed  of  soft  material  like  the  cottony  covering  from  ferns, 
etc.,  usually  covered  with  licheiu.  Breeds  throughout  Eastern 
North  America,  west  to  the  i)lains,  north  to  the  fur  countries, 
in  June.  Nests  in  trees,  vines,  or  bushes,  and  from  three  to 
thirty  foet  from  the  ground. 

420.  Bla<k-chinnei>  IIummin(;-uiui),  Troc/iiluj  alexandri. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  428.  Nests  com- 
posed of  a  yellowish  down,  evidently  from  the  catkins  of  the 
willow,  and  jilaced  in  willows.  Breeds  in  the  Pacitic  coast 
region,  from  California  east  to  Utah  and  Arizona  and  south- 
ward, in  April. 

429a.  VioLKT-THROATEi)  HuMMiN(}-BiRi),  TrocJiUus  violojur 
gulium.  Eggs,  unknown.  Perhaps  breeds  in  Southern  Cali- 
fornia.    See  Jefferys  in  "  Auk,"  January,  188S,  p.  426. 


] 


80 


EGGS  OF  NORTH   A  MICH  WAN  BIRDS. 


430.  Costa'k  HuMMiMu-niRi),  Trochilua  coatm.  Eggs,  .30 
-f-  .50  to  .32  -f-  .52.  Nests  composed  of  yellowish  down  cov- 
ered with  lichens,  and  placed  in  trees.  Breeds  in  Southern 
Californi.a,  Arizona,  and  Western  Mexico,  in  April  and  May. 

431.  Anna's  Hummino-biud,  Trochilus  annt:  Eggs,  .40 
4-  .00  to  .42  -f-  .62.  Nests  similar  to  those  of  No.  42S,  and  are 
placed  in  trees  and  Vmshes.  Breeds  in  Southern  Calirornia, 
Southern  Arizona,  and  Mexico,  in  March,  April,  and  May. 

431»t.  Fi.oBKsi's  IIlmmin<j-iuui),  Trochilns  Jloresi.  Eggs, 
unknown.     Uecorded  from  California.     Breeds  southward. 

432.  BuoAD-TAiLKi)  IIuMMiXLi-uiRU,  Trochilus  platf/eercus. 
Eggs,  iriilistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  428,  and  the  nest  is 
composed  of  similar  material  to  that  of  other  western  species, 
and  placed  in  trees.  Breeds  in  the  rocky  plateau  region,  south 
to  Guatemala,  in  June  and  July. 

433.  Hill  i)ts  IIiMMiNij-iJiui),  Trochilus  riifus.  Eggs,  .33 
-f-  .45  to  .3.")  -\-  .48.  Nests  composed  of  mosses  .and  other  soft 
material,  and  placed  in  trees  and  bushes.  Breeds  from  the 
Kocky  Mountains  to  the  Pacific,  north  to  8itka,  south  into 
Mexico,  in  ^[ay  and  June. 

434.  Allkn's  HLMMiNG-niRD,  Trochilus  alleui.  Eggs,  in- 
distinguishable from  those  of  No.  433.  Breeds  in  the  Pacific 
coast,  north  to  British  Columbia,  east  to  Southern  Arizona. 

435.  IIkloise's  Hummincj-bird,  Trochilxs  heloisa.  Eggs, 
probably  unknown.  Breeds  in  Eastern  Mexico  and  Southern 
Texas. 

43G.  Calliope  H;tmmin«-btri),  Trochilus  calliope.  Eggs, 
similar  to  those  of  other  species,  but  are  very  nuich  smaller: 
.31  -|-  .47.  Breeds  in  the  mountains  of  the  Pacific  slope,  from 
British  Columbia  south  to  Lower  California,  and  east  to 
Montana,  Nevada,  and  New  Mexico,  in  June  and  July. 

437.  Luni-'KR  Humming-hiud,  Trochilus  Ixcifer.  Eggs  and 
nest,  unknown.     Breeds  in  Mexico  and  Southern  Arizona. 

438.  I^ikfker's  Hummtn(!-bibd,  Amazilia  fuscicnudata. 
Eggs  and  nest,  unknown.     Breeds  in  the  Lower  Rio  Grande 


EOOS  OF  NORTH  AMKHICAN   BIRDS. 


8t 


Valley  in  Texas,  south  through  Eastern  Mexico  to  Central 
America  and  Northern  South  America. 

431K  IJuFF-iiiiLLiKD  IIuMMiNG-niRD,  AinozUiii  cerviiiimntris. 
Eggs,  unknown.  Breeds  in  the  valley  of  the  Lower  liio 
Grande,  south  into  Eastern  Mexico. 

440.  Xantus's  \\vsyni\si,-\\\n\^f  Basilinna  xantusi.  Eggs; 
.30  -|-  .45  to  .31  -|-  .47.  Nests  composed  of  cotton,  spider 
webs,  etc.,  and  ;  ttached  to  small  twigs.  Breeds  in  Lower 
California. 

44L  Bkoad-billed  Humming-bird,  lache  latiroatris.  Eggs, 
unknown.    Breeds  in  Southern  Arizona  and  Western  Mexico. 


ORDER  XVIL  — PASSBRES.    Perching  Birds. 

Eggs  of  varying  form  and  colors,  spotted  or  plain,  deposited 
in  nests  tiint  are,  in  the  majority  of  cases,  placed  in  trees  or 
bushes,  but  often  on  the  ground,  and,  in  some  species,  in  holes. 


Family  XLV.  —  TYRANNIDyE.    Tyrant  FLYrATriiERS. 

Eggs,  as  a  rule,  spotted ;  and,  when  plain,  some  specimens 
among  them  show  indications  of  markings.  Deposited  in 
nests  that  are,  with  one  or  two  exceptions,  placed  at  an 
elevation  above  the  ground. 

44'-*.  Fork-tailed  Flycatcher,  Mtlvulns  tyrannus.  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  oval,  similar  in  general  markings  and  color  to  those  of 
No.  444  ;  .65  -\-  .88  to  .68  -f  .90.  Extralimital ;  breeds  in 
Mexico  and  southward  throughout  Central  and  most  of  South 
America,     Bird  accidental  in  the  United  States. 

443,  Scrssou-TAiLED  Flycatchku,  MilrnlKK  forjiraius. 
Eggs,  3  to  5,  v:u'ving  from  rounded  oval  to  oval,  similar  in 
color  to  those  of  No,  144,  Imt  the  spots  are,  as  :i  rule,  of  a 
rounded  form ;  .60  -j-  .80  to  ,75  -f-  .1)2,  Breeds  in  Texas  and 
Indian  Territory,  in  June  and  July. 

444.  KiNGiiiRi),    Tijrannxis  tyrannus.       (Type,  Plate  X.) 


82 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


E«»<^,  4  or  fi,  varying  from  rounded  oval  to  oval,  pale  buff, 
spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  purpIiHh  brown  and  lilac; 
.(ir>  -|-  .85  to  .75  -\-  1.00.  Nests,  quite  roughly  constructed  of 
weeds,  etc.,  lined  with  finer  material,  placed  in  trees  or  bushes, 
iireeds  in  Kasterti  North  America,  west  to  the  liocky  Moun- 
tains ;  in  Florida  in  May,  farther  north  in  June. 

445.  Gray  KiNonmi),  Tyrannua  dominicetms.  Eggs,  3  or 
4,  oval,  deep  salmon,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with 
purplish  brown  and  lilac;  .70  -f-  .90  to  .80  -j-  1.10.  Nests 
roughly  constructed  of  twigs,  weeds,  etc.,  and  lined  witli  finer 
material.  Breeds  on  the  coast  of  South  Carolina,  Georgia,  and 
Florida,  iu  tlie  Bahamas,  West  Indies,  Atlantic  coast  of 
Central  America,  and  Noitliern  South  America,  in  May. 

440.  Cout'n's  KiNciBino,  Tyramnis  rnelancholiiuis  coitchii. 
Eggs,  iJ  or  4,  similar  in  form  and  markings  to  those  of  No. 
444,  and  the  nests  arc  also  similar.  Breeds  in  Texas  and 
Arizona,  south  to  (iuatemala,  in  May. 

447.  Arkansas  KiNonmi),  Tyranniia  verticalis.  Eggs  and 
nests  similar  to  those  of  No.  444,  and  the  breeding  liabits  are 
also  similar.  Breeds  in  Western  United  States,  from  the 
j>lains  to  the  Pacific,  south  to  Guatemala,  In  May. 

448.  Cassin's  KiNOBiRu,  Ti/ra/inus  vociferatm.  Eggs,  in- 
dis  jnguisiiable  from  those  of  No.  444,  but  are,  as  a  rule,  per- 
haps a  little  smaller.  Nests  and  nesting  habits  similar.  Breeds 
in  Western  United  States,  from  the  western  border  of  the 
plains,  "n  Southern  California,  south  to  Guatemala,  in  May. 

449.  Derby's  FLYrAirHEit,  Pitangns  derbiamts.  Eggs,  3 
to  5,  oval,  buffy  white,  dotted  and  spotted,  mainly  on  the 
larger  end,  with  brown  and  purplish.  The  markings  are  gen- 
erally longitudinal.  Nests  placed  in  trees,  very  large,  dome- 
shaped,  with  the  entrance  on  one  side,  composed  of  straw, 
lichens,  etc.,  lined  with  finer  niatcrial.  Breeds  in  the  valley  of 
the  Lower  Rio  Grande  in  Texas,  south  to  Northern  South 
America. 

450.  Giraud's  Flycatcher,  Myiozetetea  texensis.  Eggs,  3 
or  4,  oblong  oval,  varying  from  ashy  white  to  buff,  spotted  and 


PLATE 


*- 


•ii.' 


*     » 


■•  ». 


••■jff« 


3lv 


f: 


hto 


EGGS  OF  NOHllI   AMKltltAN   UIUDS. 


88 


hlotohod  quiU'  fidjirscl)  with  rctldiHli  lirowri,  lilju;,  and  laven- 
der; .GO  -\-.\)'i  to.Or)  -|-  1.00.  |{n'('tl8  ill  CVntral  und  South 
Amurica,  thus  h  cxtralitnitiil ;  bird  accidental  in  Texas. 

4&I.  SuM'iii;i:-i'.i:i.Mici>  Flvcatciikk,  Mi/ioUi/tnmtes  Inteioen- 
tria.  Kg;j;s  unknown.  HreedH  in  Southern  Arizona,  Hoitth  to 
Costa  liiea,  In  Miiy. 

4W.  Crksticij  I'LYCATCiiKK,  Mj/utrchiia  criuUufi.  (Type, 
I*late  X.)  E.u:g8,  4  to  0,  rather  elliptical,  buff,  stieaked  and 
lined  as  if  done  with  a  pen,  the  iiiarliingH  generally  Ijeing 
placed  longitudinally,  with  brown  and  lilac;  .05  ~\-  .80  to .70  -j- 
,H>>.  Nests  composed  of  weeds,  grass,  etc.,  rallier  loosely 
urrangud  in  a  hole  of  a  tree ;  the  casl-ulT  ukiii  ol  a  snake  is 
also  frequently  found  in  the  nest.  Uiveds  in  ICastern  U;  '  od 
States  and  Souther'  f\  jiada,  west  to  the  j)lains,  in  June. 

453.  MicxicAN  CuKSTKD  Fi-Y<;AT<iii:u,  J/t/iwc/iKH  tnexira. 
tius.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  in  form  anil  color  from  those  of 
No.  452,  but  are  larger;  .70  -f  1.00  to  .75  +  1.05.  Breeds  in 
the  valley  of  the  Lower  Rio  Grande,  Texas,  south  into  West- 
ern Mexico. 

453rt.  Arizona  Crested  Flycatcher,  Afi/iarchua  mejrivu- 
tms  i/nifj/isler.  Eggs,  indistinguibhuble  from  those  of  No.  453; 
both  nest  in  holes,  in  June. 

454.  AsiI-TIIROATED     Fl,Y<'ATCIIRR,    Ml/iwchuS    l'WerC8C€H8. 

Eggs,  indistinguislialile  from  those  of  No.  453,  and  the  nesting 
habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  Western  United  States,  north  to 
Oregon,  Nevada,  Utah,  and  Colorado,  in  May. 

455.  Lawrence's  Flycatcher,  Mi/iarrkuH  lawrenceii.  Eggs, 
similar  to  tliosc  of  No.  454,  but  are  a  little  smaller.  Extrnlim- 
ital.     Breeds  in  Eastern  Mexico  ;  bird  accidental  in  Texas. 

455a.  Olivaceous  Flycatcher,  Myiarcluis  lawrenceii  oliva- 
scens.  Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  454,  Vjut  are  smaller. 
Breeds  in  Arizona  and  Western  Mexico,  in  May. 

456.  Phcebc,  /Sayoruis  phiebe.  Eggs,  4  to  6,  short  oval, 
creamy  white,  often  dotted  with  reddish  browc  ;  .50  -f-  .75 
to  .GO  -f-  .80.    Nests  composed  of  mud,  grass,  and  roorlets, 


i 


grass,  ami  rooi 


II 


84 


EGGS   OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


lined  with  fine  gmss,  rootlets,  and  hairs ;  placed  in  buildings, 
under  bridges,  rocks,  the  uj)turned  roots  of  fallen  trees,  or  in 
other  sheltered  situations.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America, 
from  the  British  Provinces  south  to  the  Carolinas,  in  May, 
and  a  second  time  in  June. 

457.  Say's  Pikebe,  Sayornis  sat/a.  Eggs,  indistinguish- 
able from  those  of  No.  45(i,  and  the  nests  and  nesting  habits 
are  similar.  Breeds  in  Western  United  States,  from  the 
plains  to  the  Pacific,  in  May. 

458.  Black  PnffiBE,  Sayornis  nigricans.  Eggs,  indistin- 
gulshable  from  those  of  No.  45G,  and  the  nesting  habits  are 
similar.  Breeds  in  Southwestern  United  States,  fi'om  Texas 
through  Southern  New  Mexico  and  Arizona,  to  California,  and 
northward  along  the  coast  to  Oregon,  in  May. 

451).  Omvk-sided  Fi.Y(;AT(;nEU,  Contojnis  horealis.  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  short  oval,  salmon-colored,  spotted  and  blotched  with 
yellowish  ash,  brown,  umber,  and  lilac,  usually  forming  a  ring 
around  the  larger  etui ;  .60  -\-  .85  to  .Ct2  -|-  .90.  Nests  com- 
posed of  sticks  and  weeds,  lined  with  fine  rootlets,  placed  in 
trees.  Breeds  throughout  North  America,  on  the  east  side, 
from  Massachusetts  northward,  and  to  the  westward,  south 
along  the  mountain  ranges,  in  June. 

400.  CouKs's  Fi.ycat(;hi:k,  Coiitopus  perdnax.  Eggs,  un- 
known.    Breeds  in  Southern  Arizona,  Mexico,  and  Guatemala. 

461.  Woon  Pkwee,  Contopus  virens.  (Type,  Plato  IX.) 
Eggs,  3,  rarely  4,  short  oval,  creamy  buff,  spotted  and  blotched, 
usually  around  the  larger  end,  with  brown,  umber,  and  lilac; 
.75  -\-  .50  to  .75  -|-  .55.  Nests  composed  of  grass  and  weeds, 
and  lined  with  finer  material,  and  the  whole  structure  is  cov- 
ered smoothly  with  lichens,  secured  by  cobwebs;  j)laced  in 
trees ;  usually  saddled  on  tlio  top  of  a  large  branch.  Breeds 
in  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  plains,  from  Canada  to 
Florida,  in  Juno. 

462.  Westkux  Wood  Pewee,  Contopus  richardsonii. 
Eggs,  3,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  461,  but  the  nests 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


85 


I"- 


aro  snid  to  be  without  the  elaborate  lichen  covering.  Breeds 
in  Western  United  States,  from  the  plains  to  the  Pacilic,  in 
June. 

4G3.  YKi.i.ow-HELUKn  FLYcATniKK,  j^mpidonax  flaviven- 
tris.  Kgcjs,  4,  rouMfled  oval,  creamy  white,  spotted  with  litjht 
reddish  brown  ;  .53  -{-  .85  to  .55  -\-  .90.  Nests  placed  beneath 
the  roots  of  upturned  trees,  or  ni  bnnches  of  moss  on  the 
ground  ;  composed  of  moss,  lined  with  rootlets,  pine  needles, 
and  grass.  Jircods  in  Eastern  North  America,  from  the 
Northern   States  northward,  in  June. 

464.  Baird's  Flycatcher,  J^mpidonax  dijficilis.  Eggs,  3 
or  4,  oval,  creamy  white,  spotted  and  blotched  iiTegularly  with 
reddish  brown  ;  .55  -|-  .70  to  .58  -f-  .73.  The  nests  and  nest- 
ing habits  are  jirobably  not  dissimilar  to  those  of  No.  463. 
Breeds  in  Western  United  States,  from  the  plains  to  the 
Pacitic. 

464a.  Saint  Lucas  Flycatcher,  Empidonax  cineritius. 
Eggs,  imknown.  Breeds  in  Lower  California.  See  Brewster, 
in  "Auk"  for  January,  1888,  page  90. 

464A.  Gray  Flycatcher,  Empidonax  griseus.  Eggs,  un- 
known. Breeds  in  Lower  California.  See  Brewster,  in 
"Auk"  for  Ai)ril,  1880,  page  87. 

465.  AcADiAX  Flycatcher,  Empidonax  acadicus.  Eggs, 
8  or  4,  oval,  creamy  white,  spotted  niid  blotched  irregularly 
with  reddish  brown ;  .50  -j-  .75  to  .55  -f-  -78.  Nests  com- 
posed of  sticks  and  moss,  lined  with  the  dried  blossoms  of 
the  beech  ;  placed  in  bushes  or  on  trees.  Breeds  in  Eastern 
United  States,  west  to  the  plains,  from  the  latitude  of  New 
York  south  to  Georgia,  in  June. 

460.  Little  Flycatcher,  Empidonax  pusillns.  Eggs,  3 
or  4,  oval,  creamy  white,  spotted  aii'l  blotched  irregularly 
with  dark  reddish  brown  ;  .50  -\-  .75  to  .55  -|-  .78.  Nests 
r.ather  Hut,  composed  of  sticks  and  v  'eds,  lined  with  dried 
grass;  placed  in  trees.  Breeds  in  Western  North  America, 
from  the  western  border  of  the  plains  to  the  Pacific,  north 
to  the  fur  countries,  in  June. 


I     I 


86 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


466a.  Traill's  Flycatciiek,  Empidonax  pusiUus  traiUi. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  466.  Nests  also  sira- 
ilar,  but  are,  as  a  rule,  placed  in  bushes.  Breeds  iti  E:i(stern 
Noi'tli  America,  from  Northern  New  England  and  Northern 
New  York,  Ohio,  Southern  Illinois,  and  Missouri,  northward, 
in  June. 

467.  Least  Flycatcher,  Empidonax  minimus.  (Type, 
Plate  IX.)  Eggs,  3  or  4,  varying  from  short  oval  to  rounded 
oval,  yellowish  white,  usually  unspotted,  but  rarely  dotted 
faintly  with  reddish  brown  ;  .50  -}-  .60  to  .5-  -f"  •^^'  Nests 
placed  in  trees,  usually  in  open  situations;  composed  of  dried 
grass,  woody  fibres,  cotton,  etc.,  neatly  woven  together,  lined 
with  horse-hair  and  feathers.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North  Amer- 
ica, from  the  Middle  States  and  New  England  northward,  in 
June. 

468.  Hammond's  Flyc^atoher,  Empidonax  hammondi. 
Eggs,  3  or  4,  short  oval,  creamy  white,  spotted  and  blotched, 
usually  on  the  larger  end,  with  reddish  brown ;  .52  -\-  .68  to 
.70  +  -'^O.  Nests  placed  in  trees,  conijiosed  of  sticks  and 
bark,  lined  with  hair  and  feathers.  Breeds  in  Western  North 
America,  from  the  Avestern  border  of  the  plains,  westward, 
north  to  the  Lesser  Slave  Lake,  in  June, 

469.  Wr/ght's  Flycatcher,  Empidonax  obscurus.  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  rounded  oval,  creamy  or  yellowish  white,  usually  un- 
spotted ;  .60  4"  -73  to  .62  -|-  .75.  Nests  placed  in  trees ;  com- 
posed of  strips  of  bark  and  the  hempen  fibres  of  various  plants, 
lined  with  fine  material  of  the  same  description.  Breeds  in 
Western  United  States,  north  to  Oregon  and  Montana,  in 
June. 

470.  Fulvous  Flycatcher,  Empidonax  fidvifrons.  Eggs, 
unknown.  Extralimital.  Breeds,  probably,  in  Northeastern 
Mexico ;  bird  accidental  in  Texas. 

470a.  Buff-breasted  Flycatcher,  Empidonax  fidvifrons 
pygmmus.  Eggs  arc,  I  think,  unknown.  Breeds  in  Western 
New  Mexico  and  Southern  Arizona,  southward  into  Mexico. 


V/ 


I'? 


r 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN   JilUns. 


87 


471.  Vkrmiliox  Flycatcjiikr,  Pyrocephalus  rubeneas  mex- 
icanns.  Eggs,  8  or  4,  short  oval,  creamy  white,  spotted  and 
blotchcJ,  usually  in  a  ring  around  the  larger  end,  with  rounded 
markings  ot'  brown  and  yellowish  brown  and  pale  lilac  ;  .70  -f- 
.50  to  .~'i^  -{•  .53.  Nests  composed  outwardly  of  small  twigs, 
lined  with  hairs  .and  a  few  feathers,  and  the  whole  outer  i)or- 
tioa  is  often  coated  with  lichens.  Breeds  in  Southern  Arizona 
and  the  valley  of  the  Lower  Rio  Grande,  Texas,  southward. 

472.  BiCARDLKss  Flycatciieu,  Ornithioii  imherhe.  Eggs, 
unknown.  Breeds  in  the  valley  of  the  Lower  Rio  Grande, 
Texas,  south  into  Eastern  Mexico. 

472«.  RiDGWAv's  Flycatchek,  Ornithion  itnberbe  ridgwayi. 
Eggs,  imknown.  Breeds  in  Southern  Arizona  and  Western 
Mexico,  in  May. 

Family  XLVL  —  ALAUDID^.    Larks. 

Eggs,  spotted,  usually  so  profusely  as  to  obscure  the  ground 
color;  placed  in  nests  composed  of  grass  and  other  similar 
material  lined  with  soft  grasses  and  placed  on  the  ground. 

473.  Skylark,  Alauda  arvensis.  Eggs,  4  or  5,  oval,  gray- 
ish white,  sprinkled  and  blotched  profusely  with  ashy  brown  ; 
.70  -|-  .93  to  .72  +  .95.  Extraliraital ;  breeds  in  Europe  and 
Asia ;  bird  accidental  in  Greenland  and  the  Bermudas. 

474.  HoRXED  Lark,  Otocoris  alpestris.  Eggs,  4  or  5,  oval, 
varying  from  purplish  white  to  dark  gray,  profusely  spotted, 
usually  finely,  but  occasionally  coarsely,  with  grayish  or  olive 
brown ;  .70  -j-  .93  to  .75  -}-  .95.  Breeds  in  Northeastern  North 
America,  from  Labrador  northward,  in  Greenland,  and  the 
northern  parts  of  the  Old  World,  in  May. 

474rt.  Pallid  lIoirNEi)  Lauk,  Otocoris  alpestris  leiicolema. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  474.  Breeds  in  the 
interior  of  British  America  and  Alaska. 

474ft.  Prairie  Horned  Lark,  Otocoris  alpestris  praticola. 
Eggs,   indistinguishable   from   those  of  No.   474.      Breeds  in 


88 


EGGS  OF  NOHTll  AMERICAN  lilRDS. 


the  Upper  Mississippi  Valley  and  Great  Lake  region,  east  to 
New  York,  in  April. 

474f.  I)i:si:uT  Hor.NicD  Lauk,  Otororis  alpestris  nrenicola. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  in  color  from  those  of  No.  474,  hut  are 
a  little  smaller;  .GlJ -j- .So.  Breeds  in  the  Rocky  Arountnin 
region  of  tlie  Great  Basin  of  the  United  States,  in  Aj)ril. 

4tlAd.  Tkxan  IIorn'ki)  Lai£K,  Otocon'n  al^^estris  tjirmidi. 
Eggs,  slightly  smaller  than  those  of  No.  474  (.00  -j-  .83),  but 
otherwise  similar.  Breeds  in  Eastern  and  Southeastern  Te.vas, 
in  March. 

474t'.  !Mi:xiOAX  IlouxKn  Lark,  Otocoris  alpestris  chryso- 
IcBma.  Eggs,  in  color  similar  to  those  of  No.  474,  but  are 
snuiUcr ;  .03  -|-  .85.  Breeds  in  Southern  Arizona  and  Southern 
New  Mexico,  south  into  Mexico,  in  March. 

474/*.  HuDDY  SiionK  Lahk,  Otocoris  alpestris  rubea.  Eggs, 
smaller  than  those  of  No.  474  (.59  +  .80),  but  otherwise  simi- 
hir.     Breeds  in  California,  in  ]\[arch. 

474//.  Stricakkd  IIouxkd  Lark,  Otocoris  alfistris  strigata. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No,  474.  Breeds  in  the 
coast  region  of  Washington  Territory,  Oregon,  and  British 
Colinnbia. 


Family  XLVIL  —  CORVID^.    Crows,  Jays,  Magpies,  Et(  . 

Eggr-,  usually  greenish  or  brownish  green,  handsomely 
spotted.  Nests  made  of  sticks  and  other  coarse  material,  and 
placer]  in  trees. 

475.  Amkru'ax  Magpie,  Pica  pica  hndsonica.  Eggs,  6  to 
9,  oval,  grayish  or  yellowish  white,  spotted,  blotched,  and 
dotted  with  [mrplish  brown,  the  8j)ots  sometimes  becoming 
confluent.  Nests,  globular,  very  large,  made  of  sticks  and 
other  coarse  material,  and  jdaced  in  trees;  .01  -j-  1.00  to  .92 -|- 
1.26.  Breeds  in  Northern  and  Western  North  America,  in 
May. 

476.  Ykllow-billed  Ma(jpie,  Pica  nuttalU.  Eggs  are 
perhaps  a  little  smaller,  as  a  rule,  than  those  of  No.  475  (.85  -|- 


»^  T 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN   BIIiDS. 


89 


1.25),  otherwise    indistinguishable.     Breeds    in    Calit'ornl:!,  in 
May. 

477.  Ri.UK  Jay,  djanocitta  cnstata.  Eg;;s,  4  or  5,  oval 
or  elliptical,  varying  from  yellowish  brown  to  grayish  green, 
spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  drab,  occasionally  dotted 
with  black;  .55  -f  1.05  to  .90  "-f  1.20.  Xcsts  placed  in  tre<-s 
composed  of  sticks  and  weeds,  lined  with  strips  of  bark  ais.i 
rootlets.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America,  from  the  fur 
countries  to  Georgia,  west  to  Eastern  Texas  and  the  plains. 

477a.  Flokida  Blue  Jay,  Cyanocitta  cristata  florincola. 
Eggs,  smaller  than  those  of  No.  477,  but  are  otherwise  similar. 
Breeds  in  Florida,  in  April. 

478.  Stkllek's  Jay,  Ci/anocittu  steUeri.  Eggs,  4  to  7,  oval, 
l)ale  green,  spotted  and  blotolied  with  greenish  brown  and 
violet;  .90  -f  1.20  to  .92  -|-  1.30.  Nests"  com  posed  of  twigs, 
lichens,  and  fir  fronds,  lined  with  deer's  hair.  Breeds  in  the 
neighborhood  of  the  Pacific  coast  of  North  America,  from  the 
Columbia  lliver  to  Sitka,  and  northern  coast  range  in  Califor- 
nia, in  May. 

478a.  Blue-froxted  Jay,  Cyanocitta  stelleri  frontalis. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  478,  and  the  nests 
and  nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  the  Sierra  Nevada 
range  of  California  and  West  jrn  Nevada,  from  Fort  Crook  to 
Fort  Tejon,  in  April  and  May. 

4786.  LoNG-(!RESTEi>  Jay,  Cyauocitta  stelleri  macrolnpha. 
Eggs,  indistinguisliablc  from  those  of  No.  478,  and  the  nests 
and  nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  the  Central  Kocky 
B' ..  -itains,  from  British  America  to  New  Mexico  and  Soutliern 
Arizon.a,  in  April  and  ^lay. 

478c.  Black-headkd  Jay,  Cyanocitta  stelleri  n7iuectens. 
Eggs,  unknown.  Breeds  in  the  Northern  Kockv  ^Mountains, 
south  to  the  Wasatch  range,  west  to  Eastern  Oregon  and 
Washington  Territory. 

AIM.  NouTii WEST  Coast  Jay,  Cyanocitta  stelleri  litorai:.\ 
Eggs,  unknown,  but  are  probal)ly  indistinguisiiable  from  thn>e 


ol- 


90 


EGG8   OF  NORTU  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


of  No.  478.  Breeds  on  the  northwest  coast  of  North  America, 
from  Vancouver's  Island  northward.  Described  by  Maynard 
in  the  "Ornithologist  and  Oalogist"  for  April,  1889. 

479.  Florida  Jay,  Aphdocoma  floridana.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
varying  from  oval  to  rounded  oval,  rather  bright  gr(!en,  spotted 
and  blotched  irregularly,  but  usually  more  thickly  on  the  larger 
end,  with  reddish  brown  and  lilac;  .75  -\-  1.00  to  ,80  -j-  1.10. 
Breeds  in  Florida,  from  St.  Augustine  south  to  the  lower  end 
of  Merritt's  Island,  and  from  Tampa  Bay  north  to  Cedar 
Keys,  but  in  this  area  restricted  to  the  scrub  lands,  in  April 
and  May.  Nests  composed  of  sticks  lined  with  the  fibrous 
strings  that  grow  at  the  base  of  the  saw-palmetto  fronds,  and 
placed  in  bushes. 

480.  Woodiiouse's  Jay,  Aphlocoma  woodhousei.  Eggs, 
4  or  5,  quite  oval,  pale  bluish  green,  marked  with  reddish 
brown  spots,  more  thickly  at  the  larger  end ;  .80  -|-  1 .06  to 
.82  -\-  1.08.  Nests  composed  of  twigs  lined  with  horse-hair, 
placed  in  bushes.  Breeds  in  the  middle  province  of  the 
United  States,  north  to  Eastern  Oregon,  Idaho,  Montana,  and 
Wyoming,  east  to  Colorado  and  New  Mexico,  west  to  Nevada 
and  Arizona,  in  May. 

481.  Calipohnia  Jay,  Aphlocoma  califomica.  Eggs,  4  or 
5,  oval,  rather  bright  green,  spotted  and  blotched  with  purplish 
brown  and  umber;  .80  -|- 1.05  to  .85 -|- 1«20.  Nests  placed 
in  trees  and  bushes,  composed  of  twigs  lined  with  grass  and 
horse-hair.  Breeds  in  the  Pacific  coast  region,  including  both 
slopes  of  the  Sierra  Nevada,  from  the  Columbia  River  to 
Cape  St.  Lucas,  in  May. 

481a.  Xanthus's  Jay,  Aphlocoma  californica  hypoleuca. 
Eggs,  unknown.  Lower  California,  in  the  vicinity  of  Cape 
St.  Lucas.  See  Ridgwav,  in  "Manual  of  North  American 
Birds,"  1887. 

4816.  Santa  Cruz  Jay,  Aphlocoma  instdaris.  Eggs,  un- 
known. Breeds  on  Santa  Cruz  Island,  California.  Described 
by  Mr.  H.  A.  Henshaw  in  the  "Auk,"  October,  1886. 


EGGS  OF  NOIITH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


91 


482.  Arizona  Jay,  Aphelocoma  sieberii  arizonoe.  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  oval,  pale  greenish  blue,  without  markings,  thua  closely 
resembles  a  robin's  egg-,  .80  -\-  1.10  to  .82  -|-  1.13.  Nests 
placed  in  bushes,  composed  of  twigs  and  rootlets  lined  with 
grasses.  Breeds  in  Arizona  and  Southern  New  Mexico,  in 
April  and  May. 

483.  GiiEEN  Jay,  Xcintho'ira  luxuosa.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  oval, 
grayish  white,  thickly  spotted  with  brown  and  pale  lilac  ?  .80 
-f-  1.01  to  .82  -j-  1.11.  Nests  placed  in  trees,  composed  of 
twigs  and  rootlets,  flat  and  thin  in  structure.  Breeds  in  the 
valley  of  the  Lower  Rio  Grande,  Texas,  and  southward  into 
Eastern  Mexico. 

484.  Canada  Jay,  Perisoreus  canadensis.  Eggs,  4,  5,  or 
6,  oval,  pale  gray,  spotted  and  blotched  with  grayish  brown 
and  slate;  .55  -|-  1.05  to  .00 -j- 1'25.  Nests  placed  in  trees, 
composed  of  sticks,  weeds,  and  grass,  lined  with  line  roots  and 
feathers.  Breeds  in  Northern  New  England,  Michigan,  and 
Canada,  northward  to  Arctic  America. 

484a.  Rocky  Mountain  Jay,  Perisoreits  canadensis  capi' 
talis.  Eggs,  probably  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No. 
484.  Broods  in  the  Rocky  Mountain  region  of  the  United 
States,  south  to  New  Mexico  and  Arizona. 

4846.  Alaskan  Jay,  Perisoreus  canadensis  fiimifrons. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  484.  Breeds*  in 
Alaska. 

484c.  Labkador  Jay,  Perisoreus  cunadensis  nigricapiUus. 
Eggs,  indiPtinguishable  from  those  of  No.  484.  Breeds  in  the 
coast  region  of  Labrador,  -.lorth  to  Ungava  Bay. 

485.  Oregon  Jay,  Perisoretts  ohscnrus.  Eggs,  similar  to 
those  of  No.  484.  Breeds  on  the  Northwest  coast,  from  the 
Sierra  Nevixda,  in  California,  to  British  Columbia. 

486.  Mexican  Raven,  Cormis  corax  sinuatus.  Eggs, 
similar  to  those  of  No.  48Ga.  Breeds  in  Western  United 
States,  south  to  Guatemala.  See  Ridgway,  in  "  Manual  of 
North  American  Birds,"  1887. 


92 


EGGS   OF  NORTH  AMERICAN   RIRDS. 


48Ga.  NouTiiKu.v  Haven,  Corvus  corax  princijyalis,  Egjjs, 
4  or  5,  oval  or  rouiuU'd  oval,  dark  green,  spottud  an<l  blotclicd 
irregularly  with  grayish  and  black;  1.35  -|-  1.70  to  1.45  -}- 
1.80.  Nests  composed  of  sticks,  lined  with  coarse  grass  and 
sea-weed,  usually  placed  on  cliffs,  but  occasionally  on  trees. 
Breeds  throughout  the  northern  portion  of  the  continent  of 
North  America,  from  British  America,  and  southwest ;  but 
local  east  of  the  Mississippi  River,  Maine,  mountains  oi"  New 
Hampshire  and  Vermont  and  Western  Massachusetts,  North- 
ern New  York  and  the  mountains  southward  through  Penn- 
sylvania and  Virginia ;  nesting  to  the  southward  in  February, 
and  in  New  England  and  northward  in  March  and  April. 

487.  WiiiTE-NECKED  Uaven,  Cotvus  cn/ptoleucus.  Eggs, 
4  or  5,  oval,  varying  from  pale  grayish  to  deep  green,  spotted 
and  blotched  with  purplish  and  brown  ;  1.25  -|-  1.75  to  1.50  -\- 
1.80.  Nests  composed  of  sticks,  lined  with  weeds  ami  grass, 
and  placed  on  cliffs.  Breeds  in  the  southern  border  of  the 
United  States,  from  Texas  to  Southern  California  north  to 
Colorado  and  south  into  Mexico,  in  June. 

488.  American  Crow,  (Jorotts  americantts.  (Tyi)e,  Plate 
VII.)  Eggs,  3  to  5,  oval  to  rounded  oval,  varying  from  pale 
bluish  green  to  deep  gi'een,  spotted  and  blotched,  finely  or 
coarsely,  with  jjurplish  brown,  lilac,  and  black  ;  1.08  -f-  1'.55 
to  1.20  -|-  1.60.  Nests  composed  of  sticks,  lined  with  strips  of 
bark,  grass,  hair,  etc.  Breeds  throughout  North  America, 
from  the  fur  countries  to  Mexico,  excepting  Florida,  in  the 
South  in  April,  in  the  middle  districts  in  May,  and  in  the  ex- 
treme North  in  June. 

ASSa.  Flouida  Crow,  Corvuaamericanusfloridanus.  Eggs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  488.  Breeds  in  Florida, 
in  April. 

4886.  California  Crow,  Corvus  americana  heperis.  Eggs, 
similar  to  those  of  No.  488.  Breeds  in  Western  United  States, 
north  to  Washington  Territory,  Idaho,  and  Montana,  south  to 
New  Mexico,  and  east  to  the  Rocky  Mountains.  See  Ridg- 
way,  in  "Manual  of  North  American  Birds." 


T' 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN    BIliDS. 


98 


489.  Northwest  Crow,  Corvtis  canrinus.  K^fjs,  indistin- 
guishable  from  those  of  No.  488.  BrocMls  on  the  northwest 
coast,  from  California  to  Sitka,  in  A]>ril  and  May. 

490.  Fish  Ckow,  Corvus  ossifriupis.  Eggs,  5  or  6,  indis- 
tinguishable in  form  and  color  from  those  of  No.  488,  but  are 
smaller;  1.05 -f- 1.50  to  1. 10 -f  1.02.  Nests  placed  in  trees. 
Breeds  on  the  Atlantic  coast,  from  Long  Island  to  Florida,  in 
April  and  May. 

491.  Clark's  Nutcracker,  P/«coru?/s  coZi/m6ia?»Ms.  Eggs, 
2  or  3,  oval,  grayish  green,  sparingly  sprinkled  with  grayish ; 
.90  -f  1.20  to  .95  -f-  1.22.  Nests  composed  of  sticks  and 
fibrous  plants  and  grass,  lined  with  fine  bark.  Placed  in  trees. 
Breeds  in  Western  North  America,  from  Arizona  to  Sitka,  and 
cast  to  the  plains,  in  April. 

492.  PiNON  Jay,  Cyanocqyhalit^  cyanocephcdus.  Eggs,  3 
or  4,  oval,  greenish  white,  profusely  spotted  everywhere  with 
pale  brown  and  purple;  .87  -|-  1.23  to  .88  +  1.27.  Nests 
placed  in  trees,  composed  of  sticks  and  bark,  lined  with  finer 
bark.  Breeds  in  the  Rocky  Mountain  region,  westward  to  the 
Cascade  range,  and  Sierra  Nevada,  and  from  Mexico  north 
into  British  America,  in  March  and  April. 


TT 


Family  XLVIII.  —  STURNID^E.    Starlings. 

Eggs,  usually  oval  in  form,  seldom  plain,  but  generally 
handsomely  spotted,  and  often  elaborately  lined.  Nests,  as  a 
rule,  in  American  species,  placed  in  trees,  but  occasionally  on 
the  ground. 

493.  Starlinct,  Sturnns  vulgaris.  Eggs,  4  or  5,  oval,  pale 
blue,  unspotted :  .80  -\-  1.20  to  .88  -|-  1.25.  Nests  composed 
of  twigs,  grass,  and  similar  material,  placed  in  hollow  trees,  in 
holes  of  cliffs,  beneath  the  eaves  of  buildings,  in  church  stee- 
ples, etc.  Extralimital.  Breeds  in  Europe  and  Northern 
Asia ;  bird  accidental  in  Greenland. 

494.  Bobolink,  Dolichonyx  orizyvorus.  (Type,  Plate  IX.) 
Eggs,  4  to  6,  oval,  ashy  white  or  drab,  spotted  and  blotched, 


94 


EGOH  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


generally  coarsely,  with  reddish  brown  and  umber;  .05  -\-  .70 
to  .68  -\-  .78.  Known  from  those  of  some  of  the  sparrows, 
which  they  resemble,  by  the  coarser  markings.  Nests  composed 
of  dried  grass,  and  placed  on  the  ground.  Breeds  in  Knstcrn 
North  America  from  the  plains,  Middle  States,  north  to  Canada, 
in  June. 

494a.  Western  Bobolink,  Dolichonyx  orizyvwuti  albi- 
nucha.  Eggs,  indistinguisliable  from  those  of  No.  494.  Breeds 
in  Dakota  westward  to  Utah  and  Nevada,  north  to  Manitoba. 

495.  CowBiKD,  Molotlwas  ater.  Eggs,  rounded  oval,  white, 
spotted  and  blotched,  often  so  profusely  as  to  obscure  the 
ground  color ;  placed  in  the  nests  of  other  birds ;  .65  +  .70  to 
.68  -j-  .75.  Breeds  throughout  the  United  States,  from  the 
Northern  Gulf  States  into  Southern  British  America,  in  May 
and  June. 

495a.  Dwarf  Cowbird,  Molothrus  ater  obscurus.  Eggs, 
similar  to  those  of  No.  495,  but  they  are  not  as  thickly  spotted, 
as  a  rule,  and  are  smaller ;  .33  -j-  "60  to  .55  -\-  .70.  Breeds  in 
Southern  United  States,  from  Texas  to  Arizona  and  Lower 
California,  south  into  Mexico,  placing  its  eggs  in  the  nests  of 
other  birds.    April  and  May. 

496.  Bronzed  Cowbird,  Callothrus  robustus.  Eggs,  varying 
from  oval  to  elliptical,  greenish  white,  unspotted  ;  .65  -|-  .82  to 
.75  -f-  .95.  Breeds  in  the  valley  of  the  Lower  Rio  Grande, 
Texas,  and  southward,  placing  its  eggs  in  the  nests  of  other 
birds,  in  April  and  May. 

497.  Yellow-headed  Blackbird,  Xanthocephalus  xantho- 
cephahts.  Eggs,  5  or  6,  oblong  oval,  pale  green,  profusely 
spotted  with  yellowish  brown,  with  an  occasional  line  of  umber 
on  the  larger  end ;  .65  +  1.00  to  .70  -j-  LOS.  Nests  placed 
in  reeds,  composed  of  grass  neatly  woven  together,  in  a  cup- 
shaped  structure.  Breeds  in  Western  North  America,  from 
Wisconsin,  Illinois,  and  Texas  to  the  Pacific  coast,  in  May. 

498.  Red-winoed  Blackbird,  Agelaius  phcenicens.  Eggs, 
3  to  5  in  the  north,  2  or  3  in  the  south,  oval,  pale  blue,  spotted, 


^V 


KGGS   OF  NOUril   AMERICAN   BIRDS. 


95 


^7 


dotted,  and  lined  with  reddish  brown  and  umber,  UHUiilly 
more  thickly  on  the  larger  end,  with  a  few  paler  hIicII  markings 
scattered  over  the  surface;  .(55  -|-  .90  to  .75  -f-  l-^"-  Nests 
placed  in  trees,  bushes,  or  on  tussocks  of  grass,  cup-like,  ram- 
posed  of  coarse  grass  and  weeds,  lined  with  finer  material. 
Breeds  throughout  North  America,  from  Great  Slave  Lake 
southward,  in  April  and  May. 

498a.  SoxoRAN  Blackdiud,  Agelaiusphcemceua  sonoriensis. 
Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  498.  Breeds  in  Northern  New 
Mexico  and  the  lower  Colorado  valley,  in  Southern  California 
and  Arizona  south  to  Mazatlan.  See  Ridgway  in  "Manual  of 
North  American  Birds,"  1887. 

4986.  Baiiaman  Red-wixged  Blackbird,  Agelains  phoeni- 
ceus  bryanti.  Eggs,  2  and  3,  similar  to  those  of  No.  498. 
Nests  placed  in  gmss  tops  or  in  holes  of  trees.  Breeds  in  the 
Bahamas,  Miami,  Southern  Florida,  and  on  the  Florida  Keys, 
in  April.  See  Ridgway,  "Manual  of  North  American  Binls," 
1887,  and  Maynard  in  new  edition  of  "  Birds  of  Eastern  North 
America,"  1889. 

499.  BicoLORED  Blackrird,  Agelaius  gubemntor.  Eggs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  498,  and  the  nests  and 
nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  the  Pacific  province  of 
the  United  States,  south  into  Western  Mexico,  in  April  and 
May. 

500.  Tricolored  Blackbird,  Agelaius  tricolor.  Eggs,  ?>  or 
4,  on  the  average  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  498,  but 
some  specimens  appear  to  be  of  a  brighter  blue,  and  the  nests 
and  ncstiiijjf  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  the  Pacific  province 
of  the  United  States,  from  the  Columbia  River  southward,  in 
April. 

501.  MEAnow-hARK,  Stumella  magna.  (Type,  Plate  VIII.) 
Eggs,  4  to  6,  oval,  white,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish 
brown  and  lilac,  more  thickly  on  the  larger  end  ;  .70  -f-  1-05 
to  .80  4-  1.15.  Nests  comi)osed  of  grass,  etc.,  placed  on  the 
ground  and  often  dome-shaped.     Breeds  throughout  Eastern 


9e 


EGGS  OF  NO  inn    MKRIVAN  lilRDS. 


V   W 


Xurtli  Atiicrica  and  Southorn  Cnniula  to  the  plains,  in  April  in 
Florida,  in  May  in  the  Middle  States,  and  in  June  in  New 
England  and  Canada. 

r)01rt.  Mkxh;,\.v  Mkai>ow-i,akk,  Sliirndla  viagtia  mexlcnna. 
EiT'^'S,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  501,  and  the  noting 
hal)ii8  are  HJiuilar.  Breeds  in  the  valley  of  the  Lower  liio 
Grande,  Texas,  and  Arizona,  southward. 

f)()lA.  Wkstkkn  Mi;ai>ow-laiik,  Stnrndla  ma'jtia  uajlecta. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  501,  and  the  nests 
and  nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  Western  United 
States,  from  Wisconsin,  Illinois,  Iowa,  Texas,  west  to  the 
Pacific  coast,  in  April  and  May. 

502.  TnooiMAL,  Icterus  icterus.  Eggs,  reddish  drab,  spotted, 
blolclii'il,  and  lined  with  purplish  brown  ;  .8.'»  -\-  l.dO  to  .S8  -|- 
1.10.  Kxtralimit.ll ;  breeds  in  the  West  Indies,  where  iL  has 
been  introduced,  and  in  Northern  South  America;  accidental 
at  Charleston,  South  Carolina. 

503.  AununoN's  Ouiolk,  Icterus  audxhoni.  Eggs,  4  or  5, 
oval,  pale  purplish,  spotted  and  dotted,  ill  defined  markings 
of  purple,  and  with  dots  and  zigzag  lines  of  dark  purple,  dark 
brown,  and  black;  .70  -f  .90  to  .72  -f  .92.  Breeds  in  the 
valley  of  the  Lower  Kio  Grande,  Texas,  and  southward,  in 
May. 

504.  Scott's  Oriole,  Icterus  parisorum.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
oblong  oval,  bluish  white,  spotted  and  dotted  with  purplish 
brown  and  black ;  .62  -\-  .88  to  .65  -\-  .90.  Nests  open,  scarcely 
pendulous,  composed  of  moss  and  grass  woven  rather  loosely 
together.  Breeds  along  the  southern  border  of  the  United 
States,  from  Texas  to  Lower  California,  and  southward,  in 
May. 

505.  Hooded  Oriole,  Icterus  cucullatns.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  oval, 
white,  spotted,  blotched  and  marbled,  and  marked  with  dashes 
and  zigzag  lines  of  purple,  brown,  and  black,  U8u<illy  more 
thickly  on  the  larger  end.  Nests,  rather  open,  yet  pendulous, 
composed  of  moss,  grass,  etc.,  woven  firmly  together,  placed  in 


., 


EuGs  OF  yonrii  amerwan  iurds. 


97 


trees.  Breeds  in  tlio  valUy  of  the  Lower  llio  Cirande,  Texas, 
and  southward  tliroii;^li  Kastirn  aiul  Southern  Mexico,  in  May. 

505a.  Arizona  II<h>i>ki>  Ouiolk,  Jcterim  cucullatua  nefsoni. 
Egjifri,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  505,  and  the  nests 
and  nestiii<»  li:il)its  arc  sinjilar.  Breeds  in  Southern  Arizona, 
west  to  San  Diego,  and  south  to  Mazathm  and  CM|»e  St. 
Lucas,  in  May. 

500.  OmiiAKD  Ouioi.E,  Icterus  spurius.  Kggs,  4  to  0,  oval, 
spotted,  dotted,  and  sometimes  lined  with  uuiIkt  aiul  lilac  ; 
.GO  -\-  .80  to  .05  -j-  .85.  Nests  open,  but  somewhat  j)urKc- 
sliapcd,  composed  of  fine,  tough  grasses  woven  firmly  together 
and  j>laeed  m  trees.  Breeds  throughout  the  United  States, 
west  to  the  plains,  excepting  Florida  and  the  Northern  New 
England  States,  in  May  and  June. 

507.  Bam'imoke  OitioLK,  Icterus  galbula.  Eggs,  4  to  6, 
oval,  pale  blue,  sp  tted,  dotted,  and  lined  with  umber,  usually 
more  thi  kly  on  tne  larger  end;  .60  -|-  ,90  to  .72  -|-  1.20. 
Nests  decidedly  purse-shaped,  composed  of  strips  of  fibrous 
bark,  horse-hair,  strings,  rags,  or  other  available  material, 
woven  firmly  and  neatly  together.  Breeds  in  E.istern  United 
States,  west  nearly  to  the  Rocky  Mountains,  north  of  Florida, 
in  June. 

508.  Bullock's  Oriole,  Icterus  buUocki.  Eggs,  indistin- 
guishable from  those  of  No.  607,  and  the  nest  and  nesting 
habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  Western  United  States,  from 
the  eastern  base  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  west  to  the  Pacific 

,  coast,  in  June. 

509.  Rusty  Blackbird,  Scolecophagus  caroUnns.  Eggs, 
4  or  5,  oval,  varying  from  pale  green  to  rufous  i)rown,  spotted, 
dotted,  and  lined  witli  reddish  brown  and  umber,  often  so 
thickly  as  to  obscure  the  ground  color ;  .71  -|-  1 .00  to  .75  -\- 
1.05.  Nests  placed  in  bushes,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  and 
mud,  woven  into  a  com))act  structure.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North 
America,  from  Northern  New  England  northward,  in  May. 

510.  BuE^v^SR's  Blackbird,  Scolecophagus  cyanocephalus. 
(Type,  Plate  VIII.)     Eggs,   4    to   7,  indistinguishable   from 


98 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMETtlCAN  BIRDS. 


■'  <l 


those  of  No.  509,  and  the  nosts  are  similar,  but  are  placed  in 
reeds.  Breeds  in  Western  North  America,  from  the  plains 
to  the  Pacific,  north  to  the  Saskatchewan  region,  m  May. 

511.  Purple  Grackle,  Qniscalus  quiscula.  Eggs,  4  or  5, 
oval,  pale  blue,  spotted,  blotched,  and  lined  with  brown  and 
umber,  but  the  lines  arc  not  well  defined  on  the  edges ;  .86  -f- 
1.09  to  .90  -f-  1.30.  Nests,  bulky  structures,  composed  of 
grass,  weeds,  and  mud,  lined  with  grass  placed  in  trees.  Breeds 
in  the  Atlantic  States,  from  Florida  to  Long  Island,  in  JNIay. 

511a.  Florida  Grackle,  Qniscalus  quiscula  agliTiis.  Eggs, 
3  to  5,  generally  similar  to  those  of  No.  511,  but  are,  perhai)8, 
smaller.  Nests  placed  in  palmetto  trees  at  the  base  of  the 
fronds.     Breeds  in  Florida,  in  April. 

5116.  Bro.vzed  Grackle,  Quiscalus  quiscula  c^neus.  Eggs, 
3  to  5,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  511,  and  the  nests 
and  nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  from  the  Alleghanies 
and  New  England  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and  north 
to  Hudson's  Bay,  in  ]\Iay. 

512.  Great-tailed  Grackle,  Quiscahis  macroiirus.  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  oval,  pale  blue,  marked  with  clearly  defined  lines  and 
spots  of  umber  and  brown,  and  this  distinguishes  them  from 
those  of  the  last  three  numbers.  Nests  in  grass  and  reeds ; 
they  are  large,  coni))!ict  structures,  composed  of  irrass  firmly 
woven  together.   Breeds  in  Eastern  Texas,  southward,  in  April. 

513.  Boat-tailed  Grackle,  Qniscalus  major.  (Type, 
Plate  VIII.)  Eggs,  3  or  4,  oval,  indistinguishable  from  those 
of  No.  512,  and  the  nests  and  nesting  habits  are  similar. 
Breeds  in  the  coa.st  region  of  the  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf 
States,  from  North  Carolina  to  Texas,  in  A])ril  and  May. 


Family    XLIX. 


FRINGILLID^. 

Etc. 


FixciiES,    Sparrows, 


Eggs,  variously  colored,  but  are,  as  a  rule,  spotted.  Nests, 
in  the  majority  of  cnses,  jilaced  in  trees  or  at  an  elevation 
above  the  gro"nd,  but  frequently  on  the  ground. 


^,    IL^^''* 


'^m: 


placed  in 
lie  plains 
[ay. 

s,  4  or  5, 
own  and 
s ;  .86  + 
})Osed  of 
.  Breeds 
1  JMay. 

s.    Eggs, 

})erh.ap8, 

e  of  the 

s.  Eggs, 
the  nests 
leghanies 
nd  north 

s.  Eggs, 
lines  and 
lern  from 
id  reeds ; 
iss  firmly 
,  in  April. 

(Type, 
om  those 
e  similar, 
and  Gulf 
:ay. 

PARROWS, 

I.  Nests, 
elevation 


I 


PLATE  IX, 


8bZ 


'iS6 


.*S>ai'.-» 


'\k) 


-■"••'■'ri»ii(B^riilii«<llt 


talC 


C.J,. v.. 


BiLiwfu«»"ai  jummiiwwwipi'  M'^f 'I'li'Mi. 


^' 


e  i 


I!  %i    i 


n 


^t 


EGGS   OF  NOliTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


99 


514.  Evening  Guosbeak,  Coccothraustes  vespertina.  Eggs, 
unknown.  Biccds  in  Western  North  America  in  the  moun- 
tains from  Arizona  north  into  the  fur  countries. 

515.  Pine  Grosbeak,  Pinicola  enucleator.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
oval,  greenish  drab,  spotted  and  blotched  with  pale  purplish 
brown,  blackish  brown,  and  dark  j)urple ;  .70  -j-  1.02  to  .75  -(- 
1.05.  Tiie  large  size  and  green  color  are  dlstinguisliing  charac- 
teristics.    Breeds  in  the  far  north  of  the  Northern  Hemisphere. 

516.  Cassin's  Blilfincii,  Pyrrhula  cassini.  Eggs,  proba- 
bly not  unlike  those  of  the  common  bulfinch,  which  are  pale 
blue  with  violet  spots.  Extralimital ;  breeds  in  Siberia.  A 
single  bird  has  been  taken  in  Alaska. 

517.  Purple  Finch,  Carpodacus  purpurens.  Eggs,  4  or  5, 
rarely  G,  briirlit  greenish  blue,  spotted  and  scrawled  'with  lilac 
and  black  ;  .5.3  -|-  .72  to  .62  -f  .80.  Resemble  those  of  No. 
560,  but  larger.  Nests  placed  in  trees,  often  in  cedars,  com- 
posed of  weed  stalks  and  twigs,  lined  with  rootlets,  grass,  and 
hair.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  plains, 
from  the  Middle  States  northward,  in  May  and  June;  and 
often  a  second  set  is  laid  in  July. 

517a.  California  Purple  Finch,  Carpoddctis  piirpvreus 
californlcnu.  Eggs  and  nests  scarcely  different  from  those  of 
No.  517  ;  the  spottings  on  the  eggs,  however,  frequently  form 
a  ring  around  the  larger  end.  Breeds  in  the  Pacjific  coast 
region,  from  British  Columbia  south  to  Southern  Californi.i, 
in  May. 

518.  Cassin's  Purple  Finch,  Carpodacus  cassini.  Eggs, 
4  or  5,  pointed  oval,  bluish  green,  spotted  and  dotted  on  the 
larger  end  with  slate-lilac  and  blackish  brown ;  .60  -f-  .86. 
Nests  not  dissitiiilar  to  those  of  No.  517.  Bri'i'ds  in  Western 
United  States,  from  the  eastern  base  of  the  Rocky  Mountains 
to  the  Pacific  co.ast,  in  Jlav. 

519.  House  Finch,  Carpodacus  mexicauus  frontalis. 
(Type,  Plate  VIII.)  Eggs,  4  to  6,  oblong  oval,  pale  bluish 
green,  sparingly  dotted  and  lined  with  dark  brown  and  black ; 


100 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


.60  -|-  '80  to  .65  -f-  .85.  Nests  placed  in  trees  and  bushes, 
composed  of  twigs,  grass,  and  weeds,  lined  with  soft  grass  and 
hair.  Breeds  in  the  middle  province  of  the  United  States,  in 
May. 

519a.  Saixt  Lucas  House  Finch,  Carpodacus  mexicanus 
ruberrimus.  Eggs,  unknown,  but  probably  indistinguishable 
from  those  of  No.  519.  Breeds  in  Lower  California  and  adja- 
cent parts  of  Souora.  Described  by  Ridgway  in  "  Manual  of 
North  American  Birds,"  1887,  391. 

520.  Guadalupe  Housk  Fixcii,  Carpodacus  ampins.  Eggs, 
probably  not  to  be  dibtinguished  from  those  of  No.  519. 
Breeds  on  Guadalupe  Island,  Lower  California. 

521.  American  Crossbill,  Loxia  curvirostra  minor.  Eggs, 
4  or  5,  pale  bluish  or  greenish  white,  sparingly  spotted  and 
scrawled  with  dark  brown  and  lilac  ;  .52  -|-  .73  to  .56  -\-  .lb. 
The  sparse  markings  distinguish  them  from  those  of  No.  522. 
Nests  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  twigs,  strips  of  bark,  lined 
with  moss.  Breeds  in  Northern  North  America,  south  to 
Massachusetts  and  along  the  AUeghanies,  in  March,  April,  and 
August. 

521a.  Mexican  Crossbill,  Loxia  curvirostra  stricJclandi. 
Eggs,  probably  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  521. 
Breeds  in  Colorado,  Southern  Arizona,  and  the  highlands  of 
Mexico. 

522.  White-winged  Crossbill,  Loxia  h'  optera.  Eggs, 
4  or  5,  oval,  pale  blue,  thickly  dotted  on  the  larger  end  with 
black  and  ashy  lilac ;  .56  -j-  .80  to  .58  -\-  .82.  Nests  composed 
of  twigs,  and  lined  with  fine  shreds  of  inner  bark  and  hair. 
Breeds  in  the  northern  parts  of  North  America,  south  to 
Canada,  in  April  and  August. 

523.  Aleutian  Leucosticte,  Leiicosticte  griseonucha. 
Eggs,  4  or  5,  oval,  grayish  white;  .70  -\-  .95  to  .72 -f- -07. 
Nests  composed  of  a  little  grass,  placed  on  the  ground. 
Breeds  in  the  Aleutian  Islands,  in  May. 

524.  Gray-crownkd  Leucosticte,  Lexicosticte  tephrocotis. 
Eggs,  probably  not  dissimilar  to  those  of  No.  523,  but  I  have 


'i- 


i 


^.- 


-«* '' 


^*S3rf 


EGGS   OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


101 


never  seen   a  description   of  them.    Breeds  in   the  interior 
region  of  British  Americi. 

524a.  Hepburn's  Leucosticte,  Leucosticte  tephrocotis 
littoralis.  Eggs,  unknown,  but  probably  not  dissimilar  to  those 
of  No.  523.  Breeds  probably  in  the  interior  mountainous 
regions  of  British  Columbia. 

525.  Black  Leucosticte,  Leucosticte  atrata.  Eggs  and 
breeding  range,  unknown.  The  birds  occur  in  the  Rocky 
Mountains  of  Colorado  and  Wyoming,  in  winter. 

526.  Brown-cappkd  Leucosticte,  Leucosticte  australis. 
Eggs  of  all  the  Leucostictes  are  probably  indistinguishable,  and 
the  nesting  habits  are  doubtless  similar.  Breeds  in  the  moun- 
tains of  Colorado. 

527.  GuEENLAXT)  Redpoll,  Acanthis  horiiemannii.  Eggs, 
4  or  5,  oval  or  oblong  oval,  greenish  white,  sparingly  dotted 
with  reddish  brown ;  .73  -\-  .58  to  .75  -f  .60.  All  the  red- 
poll's eggs  are  distinguished  by  the  greenish  color  and  fine 
dotting.  Nests  placed  in  trees  or  bushes,  composed  of  grass 
and  moss,  lined  with  the  down  from  willow  catkins.  Breeds 
in  Greenland  and  Eastern  Arctic  America,  in  June. 

527a.  Hoary  Redpoll,  Acanthis  hornemannii  exilipes. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  527,  and  the  nests 
and  nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  Arctic  America  and 
Northeastern  Asia. 

528.  Redpoll,  Acanthis  li?mria.  Eggs,  indistinguishable 
from  those  of  No.  527,  but  a-o  smaller ;  .50  -f  .05  to  .03  -f 
.68,  and  the  nests  and  nestin^,-  'its  arc  similar.  Breeds  in 
the  northern  portion  of  the  Northern  Honiispliere  in  North 
America,  from  the  British  Provinces  northward,  in  j\Iay. 

528a.  HoLn<ELL's  Redpoll,  Acanthin  liiHirln  hoUniUU. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  527.  Breeds  in  tho 
northern  |)orlions  of  the  Northern  Hemisphere,  near  the  sea- 
coast. 

528fi.  Greater  Redpoll,  Acanthis  linaria  rostrata. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  527.  Breeds  in 
Greenland  and  Northeastern  North  America. 


102 


EGGS  OF  NOllTll  AMEllIVAN  BIRDS. 


529.  American  Goldfinch,  Spimis  trif.tis.  (Type,  Plate 
IX.)  Eggs,  short,  oval,  pale  blue,  usually  up.'iinrkc<l,  rarely 
finely  dotted ;  .48  +  .62  to  .50  -f  .05.  Nests  placed  in  trees, 
composed  of  strips  of  bark  and  plant  fibres,  lined  with  thistle- 
down. Breeds  from  the  middle  districts  of  the  United  States, 
northward,  in  July  and  August. 

530.  AuKANSAs  (loLDPiNcii,  SpviKS  psciltruf.  Eggs,  simi- 
lar to  those  of  No.  529,  but  are,  perhaps,  a  little  smaller,  and 
the  nests  and  nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  Western 
United  States,  from  the  plains  to  the  Pacific,  and  from 
Colorado  and  Utah  southward  to  Sonora,  in  June. 

530f/.  Arizona  Goldfinch,  »S^>^/t/^s  psaltria  ariznncp..  Eggs 
and  nests  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  530.  Jireeds  in 
Southern  New  Mexico  and  Southern  Arizona,  southward  into 
Northern  Mexico. 

530i.  Mexican  Goldfinch,  Spiaus  psaltria  mexicanus. 
Eggs  and  nests  do  not  probably  differ  from  those  of  No.  530. 
Breeds  in  tlie  valley  of  the  Lower  Rio  Grande,  Texas,  south- 
ward through  Mexico  and  Central  America  to  Panama. 

531.  Lawkkncf.'s  Goldfinch,  Spinus  lawrenceL  Eggs,  4 
or  5,  pure  white  ;  .45  -j-  .58  to  .4<)  -f-  .60.  The  wliite  color  '.s 
characteristic  Nests,  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  weed  stalks 
and  grass,  lined  with  finer  material.  Breeds  in  California,  in 
May. 

532.  Black-headed  Goldfinch,  Spinus  notatus.  Eggs, 
probably  similar  to  those  of  No.  530.  Extralimital ;  breeds  in 
Mexico ;  bird  accidental  in  Kentucky. 

533.  Pi  MO  Siskin,  Spinus  pinns.  Eggs,  4  or  5,  rounded 
oval,  jialo  bluish  green,  spotted  and  dotted  sparingly,  but 
rather  more  thickly  on  the  larger  end,  with  blackish  and  pale 
lilac ;  .50  +  .70  to  .52  +  .72.  Resemble  those  of  No,  527, 
but  are  bluer.  Nests  placed  in  trees  and  bushes,  conijiosed  of 
twigs,  and  lined  with  hair.  Breeds  throughout  North  America, 
generally  north  of  the  United  States,  occurs  southward  along 
the  mountain  ranges,  and  rarely  nests  as  far  south  as  Massa- 
chusetts, in  June. 


' 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


103 


534.  Snowflake,  Plectrophenax  nivalis.  Eggs,  4  or  5, 
ashy  white,  spotted  and  blotched  witli  yellowish  rufous,  uyuully 
more  thickly  on  the  larger  end ;  .60  +  -^^^  to  -65  +  .95.  The 
rather  suffused  yellowish  or  reddish  markings  are  noticeable 
characteristics.  Nests  placed  on  tlio  ground,  coniposed  of 
grass,  lined  with  feathers.  Breeds  ni  the  Arctic  regions  of  the 
Northern  Heuiispherc,  in  May. 

534a!.  I'uviuLoF  Sxcwi^'lake,  Plectrophenax  nivalis  tow/i- 
sendi.  Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  534.  Breeds  on  the 
Prybilof  and  Aleutian  Islands,  Alaska,  and  Commander  Islands, 
Kamtschatka. 

535.  McKay's  Snowflake,  Plectrophenax  hyperboreua. 
Eggs,  unknown.  Breeds  on  Hall  Island,  Behring's  Sea,  win- 
ters in  Alaska. 

536.  Lapland  Longspur,  Calcarius  lapjtonicns.  Eggs,  4 
to  7,  oval,  grayish  or  yellowish  white,  spotted  and  blotched, 
frequently  so  thickly  as  to  conceal  the  ground  color,  with  lilac, 
reddish  brown,  and  umber ;  the  abundant  markings  are  char- 
acteristic; .62  -|-  .78  to  .65  -f-  .80.  Nests  placed  on  the 
ground,  composed  of  grass  lined  with  finer  material.  Breeds  in 
the  far  north  of  the  Northern  Homiaphere,  in  June  and  July. 

537.  Smith's  Longspuu,  Calcarius  pictus.  Eggs,  4  or  5, 
light  clay  color,  obscurely  blotched  with  lavender,  and  blotched, 
lined,  and  dotted  with  dark  purplish  brown  ;  .62  -}-  .78  to 
.65  +  •^5'  Nests  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  grass 
and  weed  stalks,  lined  with  finer  material.  Breeds  in  the  far 
northern  interior  of  North  America,  in  May  and  June. 

538.  Chkstndt-collaued  Longspuh,  Calcarius  oi'natns. 
Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  537,  and  nosts  and  nesting  habits 
are  also  similar.    Breeds  in  the  interior  of  North  America. 

539.  McCown's  Longspur,  Rhynchophanes  tnccownii. 
Eggs,  4  or  5,  oval,  light  clay  color,  marbled,  dotted,  blotchod, 
and  lined  with  lavender,  purplish,  and  reddish  brown  ;  .58  -f- 
.78  to  .60  -{-  .80.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of 
coarse  grass  stems.     Breeds  in  the  interior  of  North  America, 


Iv 


W 


T 


104 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


from  tlie  northern  border  of  Western  Kansas  northward  to  the 
Saskatchewan  Plains,  in  June. 

540.  Vespeu  Spauuow,  Pooccetes  gramineiia.  (Type,  Plate 
IX.)  Eggs,  4  or  5,  rarely  6,  oblong  oval,  greenish  white, 
but  vi'ry  pale,  s])otted,  blotched,  and  dotted,  rather  obscurely, 
with  purplish  brown,  while  there  are  almost  always  lines  of 
limber ;  .80  -j-  .60  to  .83  -j-  .65.  The  lines  of  umber  are  so 
nearly  always  present  in  the  eggs  of  the  Vesper  Sparrow  that 
they  form  a  distinguishing  character  taken  in  connection  with 
the  prevalent  paler  colors  of  the  other  markings.  Nests 
placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  grass.  Breeds  in  Eastern 
North  America  west  to  the  plains,  from  Virginia,  Kentucky, 
and  Missouri  north  to  Nova  Scotia  and  Ontario,  in  April  and 
May,  and  again  in  July. 

540a.  Western  Vesper  Sparrow,  Pooccetes  gramineus 
confinis.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  540,  and 
the  nests  and  nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  Western 
United  States,  from  the  plains  to  the  Pacific,  in  April. 

540ft.  Oregon  Vesper  Sparrow,  Pooccetes  gramineus  affi- 
nis.  I  have  never  seen  the  eggs,  but  presume  that  both  they 
and  the  nests  are  similar  to  those  of  No.  540.  This  sub-species 
is  described  by  Mr,  G.  S.  Miller,  Jr.,  in  the  "  Auk  "  for  Octo- 
ber, 1888. 

541.  Ivawicn  SvAKROW,  Ammodramus  princeps.  Authenti- 
cr.ted  eggs  are  unknown,  but  is  supposed  to  breed  on  Sable 
Island,  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence. 

542.  Sandwich  Sparrow,  Ammodramus  sandicichensis. 
ICggs,  5  or  6,  rounded  oval,  greenish  white,  blotched  and 
spotted,  often  so  thickly  as  to  conceal  the  ground  color,  with 
reddish  and  purplish  brown  ;  nests  placed  on  the  ground,  com- 
posed of  grass.  Breeds  in  the  northwest  coast,  from  the 
Columbia  River  to  Unalaska,  in  June. 

542a.  Savanna  Sparrow,  Ammodramits  sandwichensis 
savanna.  Eggs,  4  to  6,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No. 
542,  and  the  nests  and  nesting  habits  are  similar.    Breeds  in 


w 

t 

I 

I 

II 


1 


EGGS   OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIUDS. 


106 


I 

I 


the  eastern  portion   of    North  America,  from  New  England 
north  to  Labrador  and  Hudson's  Bay  Territory,  in  June. 

542*.  Westeux  Savanna  Sparrow,  Ammodramiis  sand- 
toichensis  alaudinus.  Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  542,  bnt 
the  spots  are  usually  larger  and  darker.  Nests  and  nesting 
habits  similar  to  those  of  the  eastern  species.  Breeds  in 
the  western  section  of  North  America,  from  the  plains  to  the 
Pacific  coast  north  to  the  Arctic  coast,  in  June. 

542c.  Bryant's  Marsh  Sparrow,  Ammodramus  smidwich- 
ensis  bryanti.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  542, 
and  the  nests  and  nesting  habits  are  similar.  Nos.  542,  542a, 
and  542c  are  usually  known  by  the  suffusion  of  the  spottings 
that  nearly  cover  the  surface  of  the  eggs.  Breeds  on  the  salt 
marshes  about  San  Francisco  Bay,  in  May. 

543.  Beldino's  Marsh  Sparrow,  Ammodramus  heldingi. 
Eggs,  unknown.  Breeds  on  the  salt  marshes  of  the  Pacific 
coast,  from  Santa  Cruz  south  to  Todos  Santos  Island,  Lower 
California. 

544.  Large-billkd  Sparrow,  Ammodramus  rostratus. 
Eggs,  imknown.     Breeds  on  the  coast  of  California. 

544f/.  St.  Lucas  Sparrow,  Ammodramus  rostratus  gutta- 
tus.     Eggs,  unknown.     Breeds  in  Lower  California. 

545.  Baird's  Sparrow,  Ammodramus  bairdii.  Eggs,  4  or 
5,  long  oval,  pale  green,  spotted  and  blotched  with  brown  and 
lilac  of  varying  shades  ;  .54  +  .71  to  .56  4-  .74.  Nests  placed 
on  the  ground,  composed  of  bark  and  grass.  Breeds  in  the 
interior  of  North  America  from  the  plains  of  the  Red  River 
and  Saskatchewan  southward,  in  May  and  June. 

546.  Grasshopper  Sparrow,  Ammodramus  passerinus. 
Eggs,  4  or  5,  oval  or  elliptical,  pure  white,  spotted  and 
blotched,  usually  more  thickly  about  the  larger  end,  where 
they  often  form  a  ring,  with  purple,  umber,  and  brown  ;  .58  -|- 
.75  to  .60  +  .78.  The  pure  white  color  is  characteristic  of 
this  group.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  dried 
grasses,  lined   with  hair.     Breeds  in  Eastern   United   States 


'  '1 


106 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMEHICAS    llHiDS. 


west  to  the  plains,  south  to  the  Carulinas,  in  May  and  Juno, 
aiul  ag.'iin  in  July. 

540'r  Wi;sTKitx  (tKASsiroppKii  Si'akuow,  Ainmodramns 
aaoaniianitn.  perpallidnH.  Eggs,  indistinguishablu  from  those 
of  No.  540,  and  tho  nests  and  nesting  habits  an-  similar. 
Breeds  in  Western  United  State.s,  from  the  plains  to  \\w 
Facilic. 

f)466.  SoiTTHEKN  GftA.'ssnopr'KP.  Sparrow,  Amntodramus 
(lUHtndis.  Eggs,  undcserilK'd,  but  tliey  do  not  probably  differ 
from  those  of  No.  540.  Breeds  in  Fl(»rida  and  the  Balianias. 
This  is  tlie  speeies  whieli  I  have  described  recently.  (See  my 
"Birds  of  Eastern  North  America,  revised  edition.") 

547.  IIkn.si,(»w's  Sparrow,  Auvnodramus  henslowii.  Eggs, 
Bcarcely  to  be  distinguished  from  those  of  No.  546a,  but  are 
sometimes  tinged  with  greenish,  and  the  nests  and  nesting 
habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  Eastern  United  States  west  to 
the  plains,  from  Massachusetts  south  to  the  Carolinas,  but 
locally  distributed,  in  May  and  June. 

548.  Lecont's  Sparrow,  Ammodramxis  leconteii.  Eggs, 
white,  sparingly  spotted  and  dotted  on  larger  end  with  brown 
and  blue ;  .74  -f-  A^  to  .75  -f-  '50.  Breeds  in  the  mtcrior  of 
North  America,  from  Manitoba  southward. 

549.  Sharp-tailed  Finch,  Ammodnunus  caudacutus.  Eggs, 
4  to  G,  oval  or  elliptical,  pale  greenish,  thickly  sjjotted  and 
dotted  with  reddish  brown  and  hlac ;  .56  -j-  .70  to  .59  -j-  .78. 
Nests  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  grass.  Distinguished 
from  550  by  the  finer  character  of  the  markings.  Breeds  on 
the  salt  marshes  of  the  Atlantic  coast,  from  New  England 
south  to  the  coast  of  New  Jersey,  in  June,  and  again  late  in 
July  or  August. 

549a.  Nelson's  Sparrow,  Ammodramus  caudacutus  nel- 
soni.  Eggs,  probably  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  549, 
and  the  nests  and  nesting  habits  are  doubtless  similar.  Breeds 
on  the  fresh  marshes  of  the  Mississippi  Valley  region,  espe- 
cially in  the  more  northern  portion. 


EGGS  OF  Nonrn  amkiiican  birds. 


1U7 


5406.  Acadian  SiiAitr-TAiLEU  Finch,  Anunodranius  cauda- 
culus  subuiryalus.  Kggs»  prob!il)ly  iiidistiiimiishable  from 
those  ol"  No.  r)40.  lirocds  on  the  coriHf,  of  Southern  New 
Brunswick  and  I'ritice  Kdw.'inl  Island.  Described  by  Dwight 
in  the"Aulv"  for  July,  1S87. 

550.  Skasidk  Si'AUUOw,  Ammodranins  tnaritimns.  Eggs, 
4  to  C,  oval  or  elliptical,  grayish  white,  usually  coarsely  spotted 
with  reddish  brown,  and  this  coarse  marking,  as  a  rule,  distin- 
guishes them  from  those  of  No.  549,  but  specimens  occur  in 
both  species  that  intergrade  ;  .60  -j-  .82  to  .08  -f-  .88.  Nests 
placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  coarse  grass  and  weeds. 
Breeds  on  the  salt  marshes  of  the  Atlantic  from  Connecticut 
southward  and  along  the  Gulf  coast  to  the  llio  Grande,  in 
April,  May,  and  June,  depending  on  the  latitude. 

550a.  Scott's  Seaside  Spakbow,  Ammodramns  tnaritimiia 
peninsidw.  Eggs,  |)robably  similar  to  those  of  No.  550.  Breeds 
in  the  vicinity  of  Cedar  Keys,  Florida,  and  west  to  the  coast 
of  Louisiana,  in  February  or  March.  Described  by  Allen  in 
the  "Auk"  for  July,  1888. 

5506.  Texan  Seaside  Sparrow,  Ammodramus  niaritimua 
sennctti.  Eggs,  probably  similar  to  those  of  No.  550.  Breeds 
on  the  coast  of  Texas.  Described  by  Allen  in  the  "  Auk  "  for 
July,  1888. 

551.  Dusky  Seaside  Sparrow,  Ammodramus  nigrescena. 
Eggs,  unknown.  Breeds  on  the  east  side  of  Indian  River, 
Florida,  on  the  salt  marshes  south  of  the  Ilaulover  Canal,  to 
the  northern  and  west  side  of  Merritt's  Island,  in  April  and 
May. 

552.  Lark  Sparrow,  Choudestes  grammacus.  Eggs,  4  or 
5,  rounded  oval,  pure  white  or  grayish,  Bj)ottod,  streaked, 
lined,  and  dotted  with  dark  brown  and  black  ;  .60  -J-  .80  to 
.65  -j-  .85.  Known  by  their  general  resemblance  to  those  of 
the  Oriole.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground  or  in  trees  or  bushes, 
composed  of  grass  and  weeds.  Breeds  in  the  Missis8ip[>i  Val- 
ley region,  from  Ohio,  Illinois,  and  Michigan  to  the  plains, 
south  to  Eastern  Texas,  in  May  and  June. 


108 


EGO  a   OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


11 


''■ 


552a.  Westkkn  Lakk  Sparkow,  Chondentes  grammacus 
striffatus.  Eggs,  indistinguishiiblu  from  those  of  No.  552,  and 
the  nt'sts  and  neHting  habits  arc  similar.  Breeds  in  Western 
United  States  from  the  plains  to  the  Pacific  coast,  south  into 
Mexico. 

55y.  Harris's  Sparrow,  Zotiotrachia  querula.  Eggs,  well 
authenticated,  are  unknown.  Breeds  in  Middle  United  Stutts 
and  northward  from  the  Red  River  of  the  North  southward. 

554.  White-crowned  Sparrow,  Zonotrachia  leucophrys. 
Eggs,  4  or  5,  oblong  oval,  greenish  white,  thickly  spotted  with 
reddish  and  purplish  brown ;  .70  -f-  .90  to  .75  -j-  95.  Nests 
placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  grass  and  moss,  lined  with 
hair.  Breeds  in  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  Sierra  Nevada, 
northward  and  northeast  to  Labrador,  in  June. 

555.  Intkrmediate  Sparrow,  Zonotrachia  intermedia. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  554,  and  the  nests 
and  nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  Western  North 
America,  from  the  Rocky  Mountains  to  the  Pacific,  north  of 
the  United  States,  in  June. 

556.  Gambell's  Sparrow,  Zonotrachia  ^  ^4li.  Eggs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  554,  and  the  ^"sts  and 
nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  the  Pacific  coast  region, 
from  Oregon  southward,  in  June. 

557.  Golden-crowned  Sparrow,  Zonotrachia  coronata. 
Eggs,  4  or  5,  rounded  oval,  pale  green,  spotted  .?.nd  blotched 
with  reddish  brown ;  .64  -f-  .80  to  .67  -|-  .83.    Nests  placed 

m  the  ground,  composed  of  grass,  leaves^,  ■■xcd  weeds,  lined 
with  rootlets.  Breeds  in  the  northern  Pacific  coast  region,  in 
June. 

558.  White-throated  Sparrow,  Zonotrachia  alhicoUis. 
Eggs,  4  or  5,  rounded  oval,  bluish  white,  spotted,  blotched, 
and  dotted  with  reddish  brown  and  lilac ;  .60  -|-  -80  to  .65  -f- 
.90.  Nests  pl.iced  on  the  ground,  composed  of  grass,  roots, 
and  leaves,  lined  with  horse-hair  and  grass.  Breeds  in  Eastern 
North  America,  from  Northern  Michigan,  Northern  New  York, 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


109 


and  Northern  New  England,  north  to  the  fur  countries  and 
Labrador,  in  June. 

559.  Tree  Sparuow,  SpizeUa  monticola.  Eggs,  4  or  5, 
oval,  greenish  ash,  spotted  with  reddish  brown ;  .55  -j-  -70  to 
.56  -j-  .74,  somewhat  resembling  those  of  the  Field  Sparrow,  but 
larger.  Nests  placed  in  bushes,  composed  of  mud,  grass,  and 
weeds,  hned  with  hair.  Breeds  in  North  America,  north  of 
the  United  States,  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  in  June. 

559a.  Western  Tree  Sparrow,  Spizclla  monticola  ochra- 
cea.  Eggs,  jn-obably  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  559. 
Breeds  m  Alaska. 

560.  Chipping  Sparrow,  SpizeUa  socialis.  (Type,  Plate 
VIII.)  Eggs,  4  or  0,  oval,  blue,  spotted,  dotted,  and  lined 
with  black  and  lilac ;  .50  -}-  .75  to  .55  -f-  .80.  Nests  placed  in 
trees  and  bushes,  composed  of  fine  roots,  lined  with  horse- 
hair. Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  from  the  middle  districts  northward  to  Great  Slave 
Lake  and  the  British  Provinces,  in  June. 

560a.  Western  Chipping  Sparrow,  SpizeUa  socialis  an- 
zones.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  560,  and  the 
nests  and  nestino;  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  Western 
United  States,  from  the  Rocky  Mountains  to  the  Pacific,  in 
May. 

561.  Clay-colored  Sparrow,  SpizMa  pallida.  Eggs,  4  or 
5,  oval,  greenish  blue,  spotted,  dotted,  and  lined  with  brown, 
seldom  with  black;  .50  -\-  .72  to  .55  -j-  .80.  The  almost 
universal  absence  of  black  lines  distinguishes  them  from  those 
of  No.  560.  Nests  placed  in  bushes,  composed  of  grass  and 
weeds,  lined  with  rootlets  and  hair.  Breeds  in  the  interior 
of  North  America,  fi*om  Illinois  and  Iowa  west  to  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  north  to  the  Saskatchewan  plains,  in  May. 

562.  Brewer's  Sparrow,  SpizeUa  breweri.  Eggs,  indis- 
tinguishable from  those  of  No.  561,  and  the  nests  and  nesting 
habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  Western  United  States,  from 
the  eastern  base  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  to  the  Pacific  coast, 
in  May  and  June. 


I 


110 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


503.  FiKLD  Sparrow,  Spizella  ptmlla.  Esrgs,  4  or  5,  oval, 
bluish  white,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish  brown  and 
lilac ;  .50  -\-  .61  to  .55  +  .70.  The  light  markings  arc  cliar- 
acteristic.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground  or  in  bushes,  composed 
of  fine  griiss  and  weeds,  lined  with  grass  and  horse-hair. 
Breeds  in  Eastern  United  States,  west  to  the  plains,  from 
North  Carolina  north  to  Southern  Canada,  in  May  and  June. 

563«.  \V'icsTEu>r  Fikld  Sparrow,  Spizella  pusilla  arenacea. 
Eggs,  unknown.  Birds  occur  in  Texas.  Described  by  Mr. 
A.  P.  Cha<lborne  m  the  "Auk"  for  April,  188G. 

5G4.  Wortiien's  Sparrow,  Spizella  wortJicni.  Eggs,  un- 
known.    Breeds  in  New  Mexico  and  Western  Texas. 

565.  Black-chinned  Sparrow,  Spizella  atriguluris.  Eggs, 
light  greenish  blue,  unspotted ;  .68  -j-  .50.  Nests  placed  in 
bushes.  Breeds  on  the  southern  border  of  the  United  States, 
from  California  to  Texas. 

566.  WiiiTE-wiNGED  JuNCO,  Jimco  akeni.  Eggs,  unknown. 
Breeds  in  the  Black  Hills. 

567.  SLATE-coLOREd  JuNCO,  Juuco  hycmdlis.  Eggs,  4  or  5, 
oval,  varying  from  white  to  bluish,  spotted,  generally  finely 
and  profusely,  with  reddish  brown  and  lilac ;  .55  -|-  .70  to  .60 
-f-  .75.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground  or  very  rarely  in  bushes, 
composed  of  fine  grass.  Breeds  in  North  America,  east  of 
the  Rocky  Mountains,  from  Northern  New  York  and  New 
England,  northward,  and  south  along  the  Alleghanies,  in  June. 

567a.  Oregon  Junco,  Junco  hyetnaUs  oregonis.  Eggs,  in- 
distinguishable from  those  of  No.  567,  and  the  nests  and  nest- 
ing habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  Western  United  States,  east 
to  the  plains,  nortlnvard  to  Alaska,  in  June. 

5676.  Carolina  Junco,  Junco  carolmensis.  Eggs,  similar 
to  those  of  No.  567,  but  are  a  little  larger.  Nests  placed  in 
trees  and  bushes.  Breeds  in  the  mountains  of  North  Caro- 
lina, in  June.  Described  by  Mr.  William  Brewster  in  the 
"Auk"  for  Januarv,  1886. 

568.  Pink-s:i)ki)  Junco,  Junco  annectena.    Eggs  and  neHtt 


EGGS  OF  NOIITU  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 

Ill 

not 

vary in 

g  appreciably 

from  those 

of  No.  507. 

Breeds  in 

1                        the 

Rocky 

Mountain  region  of  Idaho 

and  Montana. 

>'-y 


569.  Gb^^v-ueabed  Junco,  Junco  caniceps.  Etrgs,  similar 
to  those  of  No.  567,  excepting  that  Ihey  are  iisu'.ily  less  dis- 
tinctly spotted,  and  the  nests  and  nesting  habits  are  similar. 
Breeds  in  the  Kocky  Monntain  region,  from  the  Black  Hills  to 
the  WasJitch  and  Uintah  Mountains. 

570.  Arizona  Juxco,  Junco  cinercus  jjalliatus.  Eggs, 
greenish  white,  unspotted  ;  .75  -|-  .58  to  .78  -|-  .GO.  Breeds  in 
thti  mountains  of  Southern  Arizona. 

570«.  IIed-backed  Junco,  Junco  citiereus  dorsalis.  Eggs, 
4  or  5,  oval,  greenis^h  white,  finely  sprinkled,  usually  in  a  ring 
around  the  larger  end,  with  reddish  brown ;  .58  -j-  .75  to  .60 
-(-  .78.  Breeds  in  the  mountains  of  New  Mexico  and  Eastern 
Arizona. 

571.  Baird's  Junco,  Junco  hairdi.  Eggs,  unknown. 
Breeds  in  Lower  California. 

572.  Guadalupk  Junco,  Junco  insularis.  Eggp,  according 
to  Ilidgway,  are  whitish,  .sprinkled,  chieHy  on  the  larger  end., 
with  reddish  brown;  .59  -\-  .80.  Breeds  on  the  Guadalupe 
Island,  Lower  California. 

573.  Bla(jk-throated  Sparrow,  Amphispiza  bilineata. 
Eggs,  3  or  4,  oval,  or  rounded  oval,  bluish  M'hite,  unspotted ; 
.53  -j-  "0  to  .6C  +  .75.  Distinguished  by  the  ronnded  oval 
form  and  plain  bluish  wi.ite  color.  NpsLb  placed  in  bushes, 
composed  of  grass  and  weeds.  Breeds  in  Western  TTnited 
States,  from  AVestern  Texas  and  the  Indian  Territory,  west  to 
California,  north  throughout  the  Great  Basin,  in  June. 

574.  Bkll's  Sparrow,  Amphispiza  belli.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
rounded  oval,  pale  greenish  blue,  finely  spotted  with  reddish 
brown ;  .60  -f-  -80  to  .62  -|-  .82.  Nesv,s  placed  in  bi'shes,  cora- 
po  c;f  of  weeds,  lined  with  grass  and  hair.  Breeds  in  Cali- 
fornia, in  May  and  June. 

574a.  ^\c,K^VKmiovf.,  Amphispiza  helU  nevadensia.  Eggs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  574,  and  the  nests  and 


112 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


nesting  habits  are  similar.     Breeds  in  Southeastern  Wyoming, 
Utah,  and  Nevada,  in  May  and  June. 

575.  PiNE-wooDS  Sparkow,  JPeuccea  oestivcdia.  Eggs,  4  or 
5,  oval,  pure  white,  unspotted ;  .60  -|-  .80  to  .63  -\-  .81.  The 
})lain  white  or  bluish-tinted  color  and  oval  form  is  the  character- 
istic of  this  group.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground,  loosely  con- 
structed, composed  of  grass.  Breeds  in  Florida  and  Southern 
Georgia,  in  June. 

575a.  Bachman's  Spaurow,  Peuccea  cestivalis  bachmanii. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  575,  and  the  nests 
and  nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  South  Carolina  and 
Alabama,  west  to  Texas,  and  north  to  Southern  Illinois  and 
Southern  Indiana,  in  June. 

576.  Arizona  Sparrow,  Peucma  arizonm.  Eggs,  indistin- 
guishable from  those  of  No.  575,  and  the  nests  and  nesting 
habits  are  similar.     Breeds  in  Southern  Arizona  and  Sonora. 

577.  Mkxican  Sparrow,  Peticma  mexicatia.  Eggs  and 
nests  probably  similar  to  those  of  No.  575.  Breeds  in  the 
valley  of  the  Lower  Rio  Grande  in  Texas,  and  south  into 
Central  and  Western  Mexico. 

578.  Cassin's  Sparrow,  Peucma  cassini.  Eggs,  similar  to 
those  of  No.  575 ;  .56  -|-  .73.  Breeds  on  the  plains  of  Kansas, 
and  westward  through  Texas,  New  Mexico,  and  Arizona. 

579.  RuFous-wiNOKD  Sparrow,  Pencrva  carpalis.  Eggs, 
according  to  Ridgway,  bluish  white;  .54  -{-.lb.  Breeds  in 
Arizona. 

580.  RuFous-CRowNED  SpARRow,  Peucwa  nificeps.  Eggs, 
similar  in  color  to  those  of  No.  575  ;  .60  -|-  .78  to  .62  -}-  .80. 
Breeds  on  the  coast  of  California,  southward. 

580a.  Boucard's  Sparrow,  Peucosa  nificeps  boucardi. 
Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  575.  Breeds  in  Southern  New 
Mexico  and  Arizona. 

580i.  Rock  Sparrow,  Penca'a  rvficeps  eremwca.  Eggs, 
probably  similar  to  those  of  No.  575.  Breeds  in  Southwestern 
Texas,  south  into  Eastern  Mexico. 


ana 

llie 

into 


in 


^ggs» 
.80. 


irdi. 

Tew 


[gg8» 

Item 


EGGS  OF  NORTE   AMERICAN  RIRDS. 


113 


581.  SoN«  Sparrow,  Melosjnzafasciata.  (Type,  Plate  X.) 
Egg?,  4  or  5,  oval,  bluish,  spotted  and  dotted  with  reddish 
brown  and  lilac;  .62  -{-  .80  to  .65  -|-  .85.  Nests  placed  on  the 
grotind  or  on  trees  or  bushes,  com[)osed  of  grass  and  weeds, 
lined  with  finer  material.  Breeds  in  Eastern  United  States 
to  the  j>lains,  and  from  Virginia  and  the  northern  portion 
of  the  Lake  States,  northward,  in  April  and  May,  and  again 
in  July. 

681«.  Dkseut  Song  Sparrow,  Melospiza  fasciata  fallax. 
Ecrus,  indistinajuishable  from  those  of  No.  581.  Nests  made  of 
strips  of  bark,  straw,  and  other  available  material,  and  usually 
placed  at  an  elevation  above  the  ground.  Breeds  in  New 
Mexico  and  Arizona. 

581S.  Mountain  Song  Sparrow,  Melospiza  fasciata  mon- 
tana.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  581,  and  the 
nests  and  nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  Colorado, 
Utah,  Nevada,  and  northward,  in  May. 

581c.  Hekumann's  Song  Sparrow,  Melospiza  fasciata 
heermaniri.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No,  581, 
•and  the  nests  are  similar.  Breeds  in  the  interior  of  Southern 
California,  east  into  Western  Nevada,  in  May. 

5^if/.   Samukl's  Song  Sparrow,  Melospiza  fasciata  samu- 
el'r..      Kggs,   similar  to   tliose   of   No.  581,  but  are   u  little 
Breeds  in   the  coast  region  of  California,  in  April 


•  ,,..iv  . 


5ril  P -{,TV  Song  Sparroav,  Melospiza  fasciata  guttata. 
Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  581.  Breeds  in  the  coast  region 
of  Oi'egon  and  Washington  Territory. 

581/'.  Sooty  Song  Sparrow,  Jfelospiza  fasciata  rufina. 
Ej:gs,  probably  similar  to  those  of  No.  581.  r>i'('('(ls  in  tiie 
coast  region  of  British  Ci>luml)ia,  north  to  Sitka. 

581/7-  Brown's  Song  Sparrow,  Jfeli'spiza  fascia/it  rimla- 
i'-a,  Eggi",  probably  similar  to  thosi?  of  No.  581.  Breeds  in 
Ijo.vcr  California.  Described  by  Bryant  in  "  Proceedings  of 
the  California  Acad*  uy  of  Science,"  September,  1888. 


114 


EGGS   OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


582.  Al!:utiax  Song  Sparrow,  Melospiza  cinerea.  Eggs, 
pale  greenish,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish  brown  and 
umber;  .64  -f- .88  to  .65  -|-  .90.  Breeds  in  the  Aleutian  and 
Prybilof  Islands,  and  east  to  Fort  Kenai,  Alaska. 

583.  Lincoln's  Sparrow,  Melospiza  lincolni.  Eggs,  4  or 
5,  rounded  oval,  pale  green,  dotted  and  spotted  with  reddish 
brown,  often  so  thickly  as  to  conceal  the  ground  color;  .58  -j- 
.72  to  .00  -|-  .74.  N-.''.t„'»  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of 
grass.  Breeds  througl  ;  '  "^'orth  America,  generally  north  of 
the  United  States,  but  o.  >  >nally  as  far  south  as  Massachu- 
setts and  Ohio,  in  June. 

584.  Swamp  Sparrow,  Melospiza  georgiana.  Eggs,  4  or  5, 
oval,  pale  blue,  spotted,  blotched,  and  marked  with  large, 
somewhat  suffused,  splashes  of  reddish  brown  and  lilac  ;  .56  -f- 
.75  to  .60  -|-  .80.  The  rather  suffused  larger  blotchings  sepa- 
rate them  from  those  of  No.  581.  Nests  placed  on  the 
ground,  composed  of  graf'  and  roots,  lined  with  grass. 
Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America,  from  the  Northern  States 
north  to  Labradoi-,  in  May  and  June. 

585.  Fox  Sparrow,  Passerella  iliaca.  Eggs,  4  or  5,  oval, 
pale  green,  spotted,  blotched,  and  dotted  irregularly  with 
reddisli  browji,  with  an  under  tint  of  lilac  ;  .65  -|-  .85  to  .67  -j- 
.86.  Nests  almost  always  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of 
grass  and  moss,  lined  with  feathers.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North 
America,  north  of  the  United  States,  in  May  and  June. 

585a.  Towxsend's  Sparrow,  Passerella  iliaca  vnalasch- 
censis.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  pale  green,  spotted,  principally  about 
the  larger  end,  with  two  shades  of  brown  and  lavender ;  .64  -j- 
.87  to  .65  -|-  .98.  Nests  placed  in  buslies  or  at  an  elevation 
above  the  ground,  composed  of  bark  and  grass.  Breeds  in  the 
Pacific  coast  region,  north  of  the  United  States,  in  June. 

585&.  Thiok-billed  Sparrow,  Passerella  iliaca  megarhyn- 
cha.  Eggs,  not  dissimilar  from  those  of  No.  585a.  Breeds  in 
the  Sierra  Nevada  and  Coast  Range,  California,  in  June  and 
July. 


Pt   ATE    X 


62t 


152 


-•■■t;'  >»- 


583 


mi 


63. 


>  -IT  J       .^  • 


4!i6 


f  1 


C  JM. 


1 


A'G'G/S  OF  NOliTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


116 


585c.  Slate-colored  Sparrow,  Passerella  iliaca  schistacea. 
Eggs,  as  a  rule,  scarcely  distinguishable  from  those  of  No. 
585a,  but  the  spottings  are  perhaps  a  little  more  purplish. 
Nests  not  placed  on  the  ground.  Breeds  in  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tain region  of  the  United  States,  in  Juno. 

586.  Texas  Sparrow,  Enihcrnagra  mjivergata.  Eggs,  2 
to  4,  rounded  oval,  pale  blue,  unsj)otted.  Breeds  in  the  valley 
■~r  tha  Lower  Rio  Grande,  in  Texas,  and  in  Eastern  Mexico. 

587.  TowiiEE,  PipUo  erythrophthalmus.  Eggs,  4  or  5,  ellij)- 
tical,  ashy  white,  spotted,  dotted,  and  blotched  with  reddish 
brown  and  lilac;  .70  -j-  .90  to  .75  -|- .95.  Rather  fine  pale 
markings  characterize  the  eggs  of  the  black-backed  towhees. 
Nests  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  grass,  leaves,  and 
strips  of  bark,  lined  with  line  grass.  Breeds  in  Eastern  United 
States  and  Southern  Canada,  west  to  the  plains,  in  May  and 
June,  but  is  locally  distributed. 

587a.  White-eyed  Towhee,  Piptlo  alleni.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
elliptical,  creamy  white,  spotted  and  dotted  with  reddish 
brown;  .70  -f-  .95  to  .75  -{- 1.00.  Nests  placed  in  bushes,  com- 
posed of  grass,  weeds,  rootlets,  lined  with  fine  grass.  Breeds 
in  Florida,  north  to  South  Carolma,  in  April  and  May. 

588.  Arctic  Towhee,  Pipilo  maculatxis  arcticits.  Eggs, 
4  or  5,  oval,  white,  spotted  and  dotted  so  thickly  with  umber 
as  nearly  to  conceal  the  ground  color ;  .68  -\-  .95  to  .70  -\-  1 .00. 
Nests  placed  on  the  ground,  and  are  similar  to  those  of  No. 
587.  Breeds  on  the  plams  of  the  Platte,  Upper  Missouri, 
Yellowstone,  and  Saskatchewan  Rivers,  west  to  the  eastern 
slope  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  in  June. 

588a.  Spurred  Towhee,  Pipilo  maculatus  megalonyx. 
Eggs,  4  or  5,  rather  elliptical,  greenish  or  white,  thickly  and 
finely  spotted  with  reddish  and  purplish  brown ;  .65  -j-  .95  to 
.70  -j-  1.00.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground,  comjwsed  of  leaves, 
grass,  and  strips  of  bark.  Breeds  in  the  Rocky  region  of  the 
United  States,  west  to  the  Sierra  Nevada  and  Southern 
California,  in  May  and  June. 


i 


'rl 


Ml 


!i    '■ 


116 


EGG8  OF  NORTU  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


588ft.  Okegon  Towhee,  Pipilo  maculaiiis  oregonus.  Eggs 
and  nests  similar  to  those  of  No.  588.  Breeds  in  the  Pacific 
coast  region,  from  Washington  Territory  soutliward,  in  May 
and  June. 

589.  Guadalupe  Towhee,  Pipilo  consobrinus.  Eggs  are 
tmdescribed.     Breeds  in  Guadalupe  Island,  Lower  California. 

590.  Green-tailed  Towhee,  Pipilo  chlorurus.  Eggs,  4 
or  5,  oval,  pale  bluish  white,  finely  and  often  profusely,  but 
sometimes  sparingly,  dotted  with  pinkish  drab ;  .05  -|-  .80  to  .68 
-j-  .88.  Nests  placed  in  bushes,  composed  of  weeds,  strips  of 
bark,  etc.  Breeds  in  the  interior  plateau  region  of  the  United 
States,  from  the  western  border  of  the  plains  to  the  Sierra 
Nevada,  from  about  latitude  40°,  south  into  Mexico,  in  May. 

591.  Canon  Towhee,  Pi2nlo  fuscns  mesoleticus.  Eggs,  3 
or  4,  rounded  oval,  pale  blue,  spotted,  dotted,  and  lined  with 
purplish  brown  and  black ;  .75  -j-  1.00  to  .78  +  1.05.  The 
eggs  of  the  brown  towhees  greatly  resemble  those  of  the  red- 
winged  blackbirds,  but  are  larger  and  more  rounded  oval. 
Nests  placed  in  bushes,  composed  of  twigs,  grass,  and  bark. 
Breeds  on  tlu  southern  border  of  the  United  States,  from  the 
valley  of  the  Upper  Rio  Grande  west  to  the  valley  of  the 
Gila,  south  into  Western  Mexico,  in  April  and  May. 

691a.  Saim"  Lucas  Towhke,  Pipilo  fuscus  albif/ula.  Eggs 
and  nests  similar  to  those  of  No.  591.  Breeds  in  Lower  Cali- 
fornia, in  April. 

591  fi.  Californian  Towhee,  Pipilo  fuscus  crissalis.  Eggs 
and  nests  imlistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  591.  Breeds  in 
California,  in  Api'il. 

592.  Abeut's  Towhee,  Pipilo  aberti.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  oval, 
white  or  bluish,  dotted  and  lined  with  black ;  .68  -|-  -90  to 
.70  -f-  .9.3.  Nests  placed  in  bushes,  composed  of  coarse  bark, 
lined  with  finer  material.  Breeds  in  Ne\v  jMoxico  and  Arizona, 
north  into  Southern  Colorado  and  Utah,  in  May. 

593.  Cardinal,  Cardlnalis  cnrdinalis.  (Type,  Plate  X.) 
Eggs,  elliptical,  ashy  wliite,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish 


EGOS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


117 


but 


'Ecrrrs 


[,  oval, 

.90  to 

bark, 

|"izona, 

X.) 
Oddish 


brown  and  lilac ;  .80  -|-  l-^O  to  .82  -f-  1.05.  Nests  placed  in 
trees,  composed  of  weeds,  leaves,  and  moss,  lined  with  fine 
grass.  Breeds  in  Eastern  United  States,  north  to  New  Jersey 
and  the  Ohio  Valley,  west  to  the  plains,  in  April  and  May. 

593a.  AuizoNA  Cardinal,  Cardinalis  cardinalis  supcrbus. 
Eg£cs,  indi.^tiiiojuishable  from  those  of  No.  593,  and  the  nests 
and  nestin;?  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  Arizona  and  Western 
Mexico,  in  April. 

593^>.  Saint  Lucas  Cardinal,  Cardinalis  cardinalis  igneun. 
Eggs  and  nests  similar  to  those  of  No.  593.  Breeds  in  Lower 
California. 

594.  Tkxas  Cardinal,  Pyrrhdoxia  sinuata.  Eggs  and 
nests  similar  to  those  of  No.  593.  Breeds  along  the  southern 
border  of  the  United  States,  from  the  valley  of  the  Lower 
Rio  Grande,  westward  and  southward,  in  April. 

594a.  Arizona  Pvrrhuloxia,  Pyrrhtdoxia  sinuata  beck- 
hami.  Eggs,  probably  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No. 
594.     Breeds  in  Southern  Arizona  and  Western  Texas. 

5946.  Saint  Lucas  Pvrrhuloxia,  Pyrrhidoxot  sinuata 
peninstdvB.  Eggs,  unknown,  but  probably  similar  to  those  of 
No.  594.     Breeds  in  Lower  California. 

595.  RosE-BREASTKD  Grosbeak,  ITdbid  ludoviciaria.  Eggs, 
4  or  5,  oval,  bluish  green,  spotted  am!  blotched  with  reddish 
brown  and  lilac ;  .68  -)-  .92  to  .75  -f-  1.00.  Nosts  placed  in 
trees  or  bushes,  composed  of  twigy  and  grass.  Breeds  in 
Eastern  United  States,  west  to  the  eastern  border  of  the 
plains,  from  Southern  Canada,  soutliw.id,  in  June. 

596.  Black-headed  Gk<>sj;k.\k,  [labia  melanocephala. 
Eggs,  4  or  5,  indistinguishable  from  th'i^e  of  No.  o{)5,  and  the 
nests  and  nesting  habits  are  similar.  Bri  ids  in  Western  United 
States,  from  Middle  Kansas  to  the  Pacillc  coast,  in  May. 

597.  Blue  Grosbeak,  Gniraca  cmridea.  Eggs,  4  or  5,  oval, 
pale  bluish  green,  unspotted  ;  .60  -f-  .90  to  .65  -f-  -98.  Nests 
placed  on  trees,  composod  of  strips  of  bark,  grass,  etc.     Breeds 


<r(r 


118 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


Id  the  BouthLiii  half  of  the  United  States,  from  the  Atlantic 
to  the  Piieillc,  excepting,  perhaps,  Florida. 

598.  Indigo  Buntinc;,  Passerina  cyanea.  Eggs,  4  or  5, 
oval,  jjale  bluish  green,  generally  unspotted,  but  rarely  dotted 
with  reddish  brown  ;  .50  -f-  -^^  ^^  -^0  -j-  -80.  Nests  placed  in 
bushes,  composed  of  grass,  leaves,  etc.  Breeds  in  the  middle 
and  northern  portion  of  the  United  States,  in  June. 

599.  Lazuli  Bunting,  Passerina  amoena.  Eggs,  indistin- 
guishable from  those  of  No.  598,  and  the  nests  and  nesting 
habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  Western  United  States,  from 
the  plains  to  the  Pacific,  in  May  and  June. 

600.  Vaiuioi)  Bunting,  Passerina  versicolor.  Eggs,  bluish 
white,  unspotted;  .55  -\-  .75  to  .58  -|-  .78.  Breeds  in  the 
valley  of  the  Lower  Rio  Grande,  Texas,  and  Lower  California, 
southward,  in  May. 

(jOOrt.  Beautiful  Bunting,  Passerina  versicolor  pulchra. 
Eggs,  unknown.  Breeds  in  Lower  California  and  Western 
Mexico. 

601.  Painted  Bunting,  Passerina  ciris.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
rounded  oval,  ashy  white,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish 
brown,  lilac,  and  ivmber;  .45  -f-  .55  to  .55  -(-  .60.  Nests 
placed  in  trees,  composed  of  grass,  lined  with  liorso-hair  and 
fine  grass.  Breeds  in  the  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States, 
iiortli  to  North  Carolina  and  Southern  Illinois,  in  May  and 
June. 

602.  Shaupe's  Seed-eater,  Sporophila  morelleti  sharpei. 
Eggs,  undescribed.  Nests  open  structures,  composed  of  fine- 
roots  and  fibres,  lined  with  horse-hair.  Breeds  in  the  valley 
of  the  Lower  Rio  Grande,  Texas,  and  southward  to  Costa 
Rica,  in  May  and  June. 

603.  GuAssQuiT,  Euetheia  hicolor.  Eggs,  1  to  3,  oval, 
ashy  white,  spotted  and  dotted  with  rather  pale  reddish 
brown,  and  resemble  those  of  No.  563  ;  .45  -(-  .70  to  .50  -|- 
.72.  Nests  placed  in  trees ;  they  are  globular  structures,  com- 
posed of  grass,  leaves,  and  weeds,  lined  with  liner  material. 


EGGS  OF   NORTH  AMERICAN   BIliDS. 


119 


Extraliniital ;  IjioihIs  in  Ihu  IJ;ili:imas  and  West  Indies,  in 
April,  May,  and  Juru'.     JJifd  acu-idenlal  in  Florida. 

OOoa.  Mklodiuus  GuAsstiiar,  /'Juet/teia  funoni.  I  have 
never  seen  the  ei^gs.  Ureuils  in  Cidja;  bird  accidental  on 
Sombrero  Key,  Southern  Florida. 

(504.  DicKcissEi.  (Black-throated  Bunting),  Spiza  americana. 
Fj^gs,  ')  or  4,  oval,  rather  pale  bluish  green,  usnally  unspotted  ; 
.t»0  -f- .";")  to  .fif)  -|-  .85.  Almost  indistinguishable  from  those  of 
our  l)lueblrds,  but  are  a  little  smaller.  Nests  placed  in  bushes 
or  on  the  ground,  composed  ot"  gmss,  rootlels,  etc.  Breeds  in 
Eastern  United  States,  west  to  the  Rocky  JNIountains,  north  to 
Massachusetts,  where  it  is  very  rare,  New  Vork,  Wisconsin, 
and  Minnesota,  in  May  and  June. 

(iOiJ.  Lai!K  Bunting,  Calamoi^piza  mclanoconjs.  Eggs,  4  or 
5,  rounded  oval,  pale  bluish  green,  usually  unspotted ;  .68  -|- 
.88  to  .70  -f-  .90.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of 
grass,  lined  with  hair.  Breeds  from  the  plains  of  Dakota  and 
Middle  Kansas,  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains,  in  May  and 
June. 


Family  L.  —  TANAGRID^.    Tanagkrs. 

Eggs,  variously  colored,  but  usually  si)otted  ;  nests  placed  in 
trees.  The  species  are  largely  represented  in  the  tropics,  but 
are  limited  with  us. 

606.  Blue-headed  EupnoNiA,  Exiphonia  elegantisaima. 
I  have  never  seen  the  eggs.  Breeds  in  Eastern  Mexico  and 
southward  ;  bird  only  accidental  in  Texas,  thus  is  extralimital. 

607.  Louisiana  Tanaijer,  Piranga  bidoviciana.  Eggs,  3 
or  4,  oval,  bluish  green,  spotted  and  blotched  with  red-lisJi 
brown  and  lilac;  .66 -f- .05  to  .65  -\-  ,93.  Nests  placed  un 
trees,  composed  of  a  few  twigs,  lined  with  rootlets.  Breeds 
in  Western  United  States,  from  the  Great  Plains  to  the  Pacific, 
in  June. 

607a.  GiJAv's  Tanager,  Piranga  mbriceps.  Eggs,  proba- 
bly unknown.  Breeds  in  Colombia.  One  bird  tidcen  in  Dos 
Pueblos,  Santa  Barbara  County,  California  ;  extralimital. 


120 


E0G3  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


608.  ScAKLET  TANA(;i:it,  Pivauf/a  eri/thromelas.  Eggs,  3 
or  4,  oviil,  bluish  green,  Hpotte«l,  hlotched,  jumI  dotted  with 
purplish  brown  imd  lilac;  .<50  -|-  .85  to  .05  -|-  .95.  Nests 
placed  in  trees,  composed  of  twigs,  and  are  flkt  in  form. 
Breeds  in  Eastern  United  States,  west  to  the  plains,  from  the 
middle  districts  northward  to  Southern  Canada,  in  June. 

609.  Hkpatic  Tanagek,  Piranha  hepatica.  Eggs,  oblong 
oval,  pale  green,  spotted,  blotched,  and  mottled  with  purplish 
brown;  .70  +  .95  to  .72  -f-  1.02.  Breeds  in  Southern  New 
A[exico  and  Southern  Arizona,  southward. 

610.  SuMMKu  Tana<m:k,  Piranga  rubra.  (Typo,  Plate 
IX.)  Eggs,  3  or  4,  oval,  bluish  green,  ^■potted  and  blotched 
with  reddish  brown  and  umber;  .85  -\-  .70  to  .90  -\-  .75. 
Nests  placed  in  trees,  deeply  cup-.^haped,  composed  of  grass, 
etc.  Breeds  in  Eastern  United  States,  west  to  the  plains, 
north  to  Southern  New  Jersey  and  Southern  Illinois,  in  April 
and  Alay. 

OlO^f.  Cooper's  Taxacer,  Pirangn  rubra  cooperi.  Eggs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  610,  and  the  nests  and 
nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  New  Mexico  and  Arizona, 
south  into  Western  Mexico. 

Family  LL  —  HIRUNDINID^E.    Swallows. 

Members  v>f  this  family  usually  deposit  their  eggs  in  holes 
of  trees,  in  b:  nks,  in  holes  of  clitts,  beneath  eaves  of  buildiiius, 
in  m.artin  boxes,  in  buildings,  etc.  Eggs,  both  plain  and 
spotted. 

611.  Puui'LE  Martin,  Progne  si/bis.  Eggs,  4  or  5,  pointtnl 
oval,  white;  .65  -j-  .80  to  .60  -\-  .70.  Nests  composed  oL* 
leaves  and  grass,  lined  with  feathers,  i)laced  in  holes  of  trei-.s, 
or  in  boxes  erected  for  the  accommodation  of  the  birds. 
Breeds  in  temperate  North  America,  but  of  rather  local  dis- 
tribution, in  June. 

611a.  Cuban  Martin,  Progne  cryptoleuca.  Eggs,  indistin- 
guishable from  those  of  No.  Oil.  Breeds  in  Southern  Florida, 
in  May,  nesting  in  holes  of  trees,  and  in  Cuba. 


BOGS  OF  NOHTn  AMKUICAN  BIUDS. 


lai 


[s. 
|s- 


612.  Cliff  Swallow,  J'cti'ochdidon  lanifrous.  I\>r;4H,  4 
or  6,  long  oval,  white,  spotted  an<l  blotched  with  reddish  brown 
and  liltic ;  .Go  -j-  .80  to  .00  -f-  .70.  Nests,  gourd-shaped,  com- 
posed of  mud,  and  placed  under  the  envos  of  buildings  or  on 
cliffs.     Breeds  throughout  North  America,  in  May  and  June. 

613.  UAU>f  Swallow,  Chelidon  en/(/irofjuster.  (Type,  Plate 
X.)  Eggs,  4  to  6,  oval  white,  8])otted  and  blotched  with  red- 
dish and  p-arplish  brown ;  .50  -\-  .75  to  .50  -{-  .94.  Nests  placed 
in  buildings,  composed  of  mud  and  straws,  lined  with  feathers. 
Breeds  throughout  North  America,  from  the  fur  countries 
southward,  excepting  the  more  soutliern  portions,  in  June. 

014.  Tiucio  Swallow,  Tachycineta  bicolur.  Eggs,  4  to  C, 
long  oval,  white,  unspotted  ;  .45  -|-  .03  to  .55  -\-  .83.  Nests 
placed  in  holes  of  trees,  cavities  in  buildings,  and  in  martin 
boxes.  Breeds  throughout  North  America,  from  the  fur  coun- 
tries southward,  excepting  the  more  southern  portion,  in  Juno. 

615.  VioLET-GHKEy  SwALLow,  Tnchycineta  thalassina. 
Eggs,  4  to  6,  oval,  white;  .45  -f  .75  to  .50  -f  .80.  Nests 
placed  in  holes  of  trees,  or  in  cavities  of  rocky  cliffs,  cojnposcd 
of  straw,  and  lined  with  feathers.  Breeds  in  Western  United 
States,  from  the  eastern  base  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  to  the 
Pacilic,  in  June. 

616.  Bank  Swallow,  Cliincola  riparia.  Eggs,  4  to  6,  oval, 
white;  .45  -f-  .70  to  .47  -f-  .72.  Nests  placed  in  burrows  dug 
by  the  birds,  in  banks  of  earth,  composed  of  straw.  Breeds 
throughout  the  Northern  Ileniisphero;  in  America,  in  all  but 
the  extreme  southern  portion,  in  .June. 

617.  RoUGH-wixGED  SwALf.ow,  Ste^rj!(2opteri/x  sernjiennis. 
Eggs,  4  to  6,  oval,  white  ;  .50  -\-  .W)  to  .53  -\-  .78.  Nests  coni- 
jfosed  of  straw,  weeds,  or  feathers,  and  placed  in  holes  of 
banks,  —  the  deserted  nest  of  a  kingfisher  being  often  used, 
the  birds  rarely  excavating  for  themselves,  — or  in  crevices  in 
bridges  in  building,  etc.  Breeds  throughout  the  United  States, 
in  the  Eastern  States  north  to  Connecticut,  in  Jime. 


il-i 


122 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


Family  LII.  —  AMPELID^.     Waxwixgs,  Etc. 

Eggs,  variouHly  coloied,  but  usually  sjiotted.  Nests  placed 
in  trees.     Members  of  this  family  are  limited  with  us. 

618.  Bohemian  Waxwing,  Ampelis  garrulus.  Eggs,  3  to 
6,  oval,  yellowish  gray,  lined,  spotted,  and  blotched  with  yellow- 
ish brown,  dark  purple,  and  black,  with  lighter  shadings  around 
the  spots,  as  seen  in  those  of  No.  619 ;  .65  -|-  .80  to  .70  -\-  .90. 
Nests  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  rootlets,  moss,  grass,  and 
strips  of  grass,  lined  with  feathers.  Breeds  i»i  the  far  north 
of  the  Northern  Hemisphere,  in  June. 

619.  Ckdae  Waxwing,  Ampelis  cedrorum.  (Type,  Plate 
X.)  Eggs,  similar  in  form  and  color  to  those  of  No.  618,  but 
are  smaller ;  .60  -|-  .80  to  .70  -f-  .88.  Njsts  composed  of  moss, 
strips  of  blue  grass,  etc.,  placed  in  trees.  Breeds  in  North 
America,  from  the  fur  countries  to  the  southern  middle 
section,  in  Juae. 

620.  PiiAiNOi'ErLA,  Phainopeplo  nitens.  Eggs,  3  or  4, 
greenish  gray,  finely  dotted  with  purplish  brown  and  black ; 
.58  •  [-  .85  to  .CO  -|-  .80.  Nests  placed  in  trees,  composed  of 
flax-like  fibres  of  plants,  weeds,  and  grasses,  lined  with  finer 
material.  Breeds  in  Southwestern  United  States,  from  South- 
western Texas  \vpsiward  to  California,  north  to  Southern 
Utah  and  Nevada,  \x\  April  and  May. 

Family  LTIl.  —  LANIID JS.     Shrikes. 

The  c-yjt  of  all  the  North  American  tpecies  arc  grcflnish 
gray,  6j)otted  and  blotched  irregularly  with  clay  color,  reddish 
brown,  and  purplish,  and  vary  in  number  from  5  to  7 ;  they 
are  oval.  The  greenish  gray  or  clay  color  of  tlie  markings  ia 
a  striking  peculiarity.  Nests  are  bulky,  composed  of  flax-like 
fibres  of  plants,  weed.^,  grass,  twigs,  cotton,  or  any  other  avail- 
able material,  and  are  placed  in  trees. 

621.  NoKTiiKiiN  SiiuiKE,  Lonius  borealis.  Eggs,  .75  -j- 
1.05  to  .80  -|-  1.10.  Bn;eds  in  Northern  North  America, 
mainly  north  of  the  United  States,  in  May  and  June. 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


123 


622.  LoGOEuiiEAL)  Shrike,  Lanius  ludovicio.ius.  Eggs,  .72 
-f  1.02  to  .78  -f  1.08.  Breeds  in  Floiula,  the  C^arolinas,  and 
Gulf  States,  west  to  Texas,  in  April  r.nd  May. 

622a.  White-rumped  Shrike,  Jjunius  lu  iooiciamis  excii- 
bitorides.  Eggs,  size  of  those  of  Xo.  622.  'jreeda  in  West- 
ern United  States,  Northern  New  York,  and  Northern  New 
England,  in  May  and  June, 

622&.  California  Shrike,  Lanius  ludomcianus  gambeli. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  622,  and  the  nests 
and  nesting  habits  are  similir.  Breeds  on  the  coast  of  Call- 
fornia,  in  April.  Described  by  llidgway  in  "Manual  of  North 
American  Birds,"  1887. 


IgS   18 


r5  + 
erica, 


Family  LIV.  — VIREONID^.     Vireos. 

Nests  more  or  less  purse-shaped,  suspended  from  the  fork  of 
a  branch  of  trees  or  bushes.  Eggs,  white,  spotted  to  a  greater 
or  less  ?xtent,  and  quite  difficult  co  identify. 

623.  Blac'k-vvhi.^kered  Vlcko,  Vireo  altiloqmis  barhatulus. 
Eggs,  2  or  3,  oval,  white,  spotted  and  dotted  with  purplish 
brown  and  black  ;  .53  -j-  .78  to  .55  --}-  .88.  Nests  composed  of 
grass,  leaves,  and  fragments  of  palm  fronds,  lined  with  rootlets. 
Breeds  in  the  Bahamas,  Cuba,  and  Southern  Florida,  in  June. 

624.  Red-eved  Vireo,  Vireo  oluiaceus.  (Type,  Plate  X.) 
Eggs,  3  or  4,  more  rarely  2,  oval,  white,  spotted  and  dotted 
with  brown  and  black  ;  .52  -|-  .78  to  .65  -|-  .^5.  Nests  com- 
posed of  strij)s  of  grass  and  leaves  or  moss,  lined  with  finer 
material.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America,  .vest  to  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  in  June. 

625.  Yellow-green  Vireo,  Vireo  flavovir .di.\  Eggs,  un- 
known. Breeds  in  the  valley  of  the  Lower  Rio  Grande,  Texas, 
southward  to  Panama. 

626.  Philadet.phia  Vireo,  Vireo  pkiladelphicus.  Eggs,  3 
or  4,  similar  to  those  of  No.  624,  and  the  nests  and  nesting 
habits  are  similar,  but  the  eggs  are  smaller ;  .48  -f-  .70  tc  .50 


124 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


M 

l!     'i 


13    <• 


+  .75.    Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America,  from  Northern  Nevr 
England  north  to  Hudson's  Bay,  in  June. 

627.  Wariiling  Virko,  Vireo  gilvus.  Eggs,  4  or  5,  oval, 
white,  finely  spotted  and  dotted  with  dark  brown  and  black; 
.80  -|-  .52  to  .55  -f-  .75.  Nests  usually  placed  in  high  trees,  com- 
posed of  the  usual  material.  Breeds  throughout  Middle  North 
America  north  to  the  fur  countries,  in  June. 

628.  Yellow-throated  Vireo,  Vireo  flavifrons.  Eggs,  3 
or  4,  oval,  white,  boldly  marked  with  purplish  brown  spots  tbat 
show  lighter  edges ;  .60  -}-  .88  to  .65  -|-  .95.  The  lighter  edg- 
ings to  the  spottings  are  the  chief  characteristics.  Nests  placed 
in  trees  at  a  moderate  elevation  above  the  ground,  composed 
of  strips  of  bark,  grass,  and  pine  leaves  covered  with  lichens. 
Breeds  in  Eastern  United  States,  from  the  middle  districts, 
northward,  in  June. 

629.  Blue-headed  Vireo,  Vireo  solitarius.  Eggs,  4  or  5, 
oval,  white,  finoiy  and  sparsely  spotted  with  reddish  and  dark 
brown  ;  .50  -|-  .75  to  .IJ.'J  -j-  .81.  Nests  composed  of  the  usual 
material,  and  placed  in  trees.  Breeds  in  Eastern  United 
States,  west  to  the  plains,  from  Massachusetts,  where  it  is 
rare,  north  into  the  British  Provinces,  in  June. 

629a.  Cassix's  Vireo,  Vireo  solitarius  cassi»ii.  Eggs,  in- 
distinguishable from  those  of  No.  029.  Breeds  in  Western 
United  States,  from  the  Rocky  Mountains  to  the  Pacific. 

6296.  Plumbeous  Vireo,  Vireo  solitarius  phimheus.  Eggs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  629.  Breeds  in  Western 
United  States,  from  the  eastern  base  of  the  Rocky  Mountains 
westward. 

G29c.  Mountain  Viijeo,  Vireo  solitarius  alticola.  Eggs, 
3  and  4,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  629,  and  the  nests 
are  similar,  l^reeds  in  the  mountains  of  North  Cnvolina. 
Described  by  Mr.  William  Brewster  in  the  "  Auk  "  for  Janu- 
ary, 1886. 

630.  Black-cappkd  Virko,  Vireo  atricapillns.  Eggs,  3  or 
4,  oval,  pure  white,  unspotted  ;  .50  -j-  .65  to  .56  -|-  -76.    Nests 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


125 


composed  of  grass,  leaves,  etc.,  quite  thickly  felted  together. 
Breeds  in  Mexico  and  Texas,  north  to  Kansas,  in  May, 

631.  White-eyed  Viueo,  Vireo  noveboraceusis.  Eggs,  4 
or  5,  oval,  white,  spotted  and  dotted  with  purplish  and  reddish 
brown ;  .55  -\-  .77  to  .65  -|-  .80.  Nests  placed  low,  often  only 
a  few  feet  above  the  ground,  composed  of  the  usual  material. 
Breeds  in  Eastern  United  States,  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
in  June. 

631a.  Key  West  Vikeo,  Vireo  noveboracensis  mai/nardi. 
Eggs,  unknown,  but  probably  indistinguishable  from  those  of 
No.  631.  Breeds  on  Key  West.  Described  by  Mr.  William 
Brewster  in  the  "Auk"  for  April,  1887. 

632.  Hutton's  Vireo,  Vireo  hiittoni.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  oval, 
white,  minutely  dotted  with  reddish  brown ;  .51  -\-  .08  to  .52 
-|-  .70.  Nests  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  vegetable  fibre, 
grass,  and  bits  of  paper,  covered  with  moss.  Breeds  in  Cali- 
fornia, in  June. 

632a.  Stephen's  Vireo,  Vireo  huUoni  stephensi.  Eggs, 
probably  similar  to  those  of  No.  632.  Bv  <>ds  in  Arizona, 
Western  Mexico,  and  Lower  California. 

633.  Bell's  Vireo,  Vireo  bellii.  Eggs,  3  cr  4,  oval,  white, 
sparingly  dotted  with  reddish  brown  ;  .52  -|-  .73  to  .56  ~f-  .76. 
Nests  placed  m  trees,  composed  of  the  usual  material.  Bi'ceds 
in  the  middle  portion  of  the  United  States,  from  Illinois  and 
Iowa  west  to  the  eastern  base  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  in 
June. 

633a.  Least  Vireo,  Vireo  belUi  piisillus.  Eggs  and  nests, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  633.  Breeds  in  Arizona 
and  California,  south  to  Cape  Saint  Lucas,  in  May  and  June. 

634.  Gray  Vireo,  Mreo  vicinior.  Eggs,  similar  to  those 
of  No.  632.  Breeds  in  Western  Texas,  New  Mexico,  Arizona, 
and  Southern  California. 


% 


■I, 


126 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


Family  T-V.  —  CCEREBIDvE.    Honey-Cueepebs. 

Only  one  species  of  this  family  occurs  within  our  limits. 
Eggs,  8j)otte(i,  and  deposited  in  domed  nests  that  are  placed  in 
trees  and  Vjushes. 

635.  Bahama  Honey-ckeep£U,  Coereba  bahamensis.  Egtr" 
3  or  4,  long  oval,  ashy  white,  quite  finely  and  profusely  spotted 
and  dotted  with  reddish  brown ;  ,46  -|~  -^2  to  .50  -{-  .75. 
Somewhat  resemble  those  of  the  field  sparrow.  Nests  placed 
in  trees  and  bushes,  composed  of  roots,  vines,  and  fragments 
of  palm  leaves,  domed,  but  rather  gourd-shaped,  with  the 
entrance  on  the  side.  Breeds  on  the  Bahamas,  in  April  and 
May ;  birds  occasional  on  the  Florida  Keys. 


Family  LVI.  —  MNIOTILTID^.    Wood- Warblers. 

Eggs,  oval  or  rounded  oval,  varying  from  white  to  bluish 
and  greenish,  rarely  unspotted,  and  the  spots,  in  the  majority 
of  cases,  are  thickest  around  the  larger  end,  and  deposited  in 
nests  that  are  placed  in  a  variety  of  situations,  but  most  gener- 
ally in  trees  or  bushes,  sometimes  on  the  ground,  and  rarely  in 
holes  of  trees. 

636.  Black  and  White  Warbler,  Mniotilta  varia.  Eggs, 
4  to  6,  oval,  creamy  white,  profusely  spotted  and  dotted  with 
reddish  brown  ;  .65  -f-  .70  to  .69  +  .75.  Nests  placed  on  the 
ground,  composed  of  grass  and  leaves.  Breeds  in  Eastern 
United  States,  west  to  the  plains,  from  the  south  middle  sec- 
tions north  to  the  British  Provinces,  in  April  in  the  South, 
May  in  the  Middle  States,  and  in  June  in  the  North. 

637.  PROTnoxoTAiiY  Warbler,  Protonotaria  cltera.  (Type, 
Plate  X.)  Eggs,  .5,  6,  or  7,  sometimes  4,  very  rarely  8,  rounded 
oval,  polished,  creamy,  profusely  spotted  and  blotched  all  over 
with  purplish  brown  and  lilac ;  .55  -f  .70  to  .52  -j-  .08.  Dis- 
tinguished by  the  rounded  oval  form,  polished  surface,  and 
bold  markirigs.  Nests  placed  in  natin-al  cavities  of  trees,  or  in 
the  deserted  nests  of  woodpeckers,  titmice,  etc. ;  composed  of 
grass,  weeds,  and    moss.     Breeds   in  Eastern  United  States, 


EQG8  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


127 


U 


excepting  perhaps  the  more  northern  sections  and  New  Eng- 
land, in  May  and  June. 

638.  SwAiNsox's  Wakblek,  Ilelinaia  swainsonii.  Eggs,  3 
or  4,  oval,  pure  white,  usually  unsj)otted,  but  rarely  slightly 
dotted  on  larger  end  ;  .52  -J-  .08  to  .62  -j-  -"9.  Nests  placed 
in  grajs,  composed  of  grass  and  weeds.  Breeds  in  South 
Carolina  and  the  Gulf  States,  in  May,  June,  and  July. 

639.  WoRM-EATiXG  Warbler,  TMmithertis  vermivorus. 
Eggs,  4  or  5,  oval,  white,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish 
brown  over  the  entire  surface ;  .56  -\-  .70  to  .60  -|-  .78.  Nests 
placed  on  the  ground,  loosely  constructed,  composed  of  grass, 
leaves,  etc.  Eggs  bear  a  striking  resemblance  to  those  of  the 
great  Carolina  wren.  Breeds  in  Eastern  United  States,  north 
to  Southern  New  York  and  Southern  New  England,  in  May 
and  June. 

640.  Bachman's  Warbler,  Helminthophila  bachmani. 
A  set  of  eggs  described  by  Mr.  Bailey  in  the  "Bulletin  of  the 
Nuttall  Ornithological  Club "  for  January,  1883,  are  given  as 
4,  dull  white,  with  a  wreath  of  dark  brown  covering  nearly 
one-third  of  the  larger  end,  and  with  a  few  obscure  spots  of 
lilac  scattered  over  the  rest  of  the  surface ;  .74  -|-  .60.  The  nest 
is  said  to  be  placed  in  low  trees.  The  identification  is  not 
positive.  Breeds  in  Louisiana,  and  possibly  the  other  Gulf 
States,  and  South  Carolina. 

641.  Blue-winged  Warbler,  Helminthophila  pinua. 
Eggs,  3,  4,  or  5,  oval,  white,  sprinkled  with  a  few  reddish 
spots  on  the  larger  end ;  .50  -\-  .68  to  .53  -\-  .70.  Nests  j)laced 
on  the  ground,  composed  of  bark,  leaves,  etc.  Breeds  from 
Southern  New  York  and  Southern  New  England  southward, 
in  May. 

642.  GoLDKN-wiNGED  Warbler,  Uelminthophila  chrysop- 
tera.  Eggs,  4  or  5,  and  not  distinguishable  from  those  of  No. 
641.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  grass,  leaves, 
etc.  Breeds  in  Eastern  United  States,  from  Massachusetts 
and  New  York  southward,  in  May  and  June. 


i| 


128 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


643.  Lucy's  Wakbleb,  Helminthophila  lucicB.  Eggs,  3  or 
4,  oval,  white,  hamlsomely  wreathed  about  the  larger  end  with 
spots  of  reddish  brown  and  umber,  with  a  few  dots  scattered 
over  the  surface ;  .46  -\-  .58  to  .47  +  .60.  Nests  placed  in 
holes  of  trees,  cavities  behind  loosened  bark,  etc.,  couijiosed  of 
twigs,  weed  stalks,  lined  with  horse-hair  and  feathers.  TJreeds 
in  the  valleys  of  the  Colorado  and  Gila  Rivers  in  Arizona  and 
California,  in  May. 

644.  Virginia's  Warbler,  Helminthophila  virginur.  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  oval  or  rounded  oval,  marked  about  the  larger  end 
with  a  ring  of  spots  and  dots  of  purplish  brown  and  lilac; 
.62  -\-  .45  to  .47  -|-  .64.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground,  com- 
posed of  strips  of  bark,  grasses,  and  mosses,  lined  with  hair. 
Breeds  in  the  Rocky  Mountain  region  of  the  United  States, 
from  Colorado,  Utah,  and  Nevada  southward,  in  June. 

645.  Nashville  Warbler,  Helminthophila  riificapilla. 
Eggs,  3,  4,  or  5,  oval,  white,  finely  spotted  over  the  entire 
surface  with  purplish  brown,  and  these  (»ccasionally  form  a 
ring  around  the  larger  end;  .48  -f-  .56  to  .45  -|-  •'^'^-  Nests 
placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  strips  of  bark,  grass,  etc. 
Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America,  from  Massachusetts  north 
to  the  fur  countries,  in  June. 

645a.  Calaveras  Warbler,  Helminthophila  rnjlcapilla 
guttwalis.  Eggs,  probably  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No. 
645.  Breeds  in  Western  United  States,  from  the  Rocky 
Mountains  to  the  Pacific. 

646.  OuANGE-rRowNED  Wabbler,  Helminthophila  celata. 
Eggs,  4  to  6,  white,  spotted  and  dotted  with  reddish  and 
purplish  brown;  .45  -f-  -60  to  .50  -f-  -70.  Nesls  ])laced  on  the 
ground,  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  etc.  Breeds  in  Eastern 
North  America,  excepting  New  England  and  the  Eastern 
Middle  States,  north  to  the  Yukon  and  Mackenzie  River 
district,  and  southward  through  the  Rocky  Mountains,  in  May 
and  June. 

646a.  LuTESCBNT   Wabbleb,  Helminthophila  celata  lutea- 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


129 


cens.     Eggs,  3  to  6,  inrlistingiiishable  from  those  of  No.  G46. 
Breeds  in  extreme  Western  United  States. 

647.  Texxessek  Wakblek,  IJdminthophila  peregrina. 
Egg.s,  nnknowii.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America,  from 
Northern  New  York  and  Northern  New  England  north  to 
Hudson's  Bay  Territory. 

648.  Pauula  Wakblek,  Coaipsot/ili/jns  americana.  Eggs, 
4  or  5,  rarely  6  or  7,  oval,  white,  spotted  and  dotted  with 
reddish  brown,  purplish,  and  lilac ;  .50  -\-  .60  to  .52  -j-  .65. 
Nests  placed  in  trees,  which  are  covered  with  long  moss,  of 
which  they  are  composed.  Breeds  in  Eastern  United  States, 
west  to  the  plains,  north  to  Canada,  in  June. 

649.  Senxett's  Warbler,  Compsothli/pis  uiffHlora. 
Eggs  and  nests  similar  to  those  of  No.  648.  Breeds  in  the 
valley  of  the  Lower  Rio  Grande,  in  Texas. 

650.  Cape  May  Warbler,  Dendroica  tigrina.  Eggs,  3  or 
4,  oval,  white,  spotted  and  blotched,  chiefly  about  the  larger 
end,  with  purple  and  brown  of  varying  tints  ;  .52  -j-  .68  to  .55 
-f-  .70.  Nests  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  strips  of  bark, 
moss,  etc.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America,  from  Northern 
New  England  north  to  Hudson's  Bay  Territory,  in  June ;  also 
in  Jamaica  and  probably  the  Bahamas. 

651.  Olive  Warbler,  Dendroica  oUvacea.  Eggs,  unde- 
scribed.  Breeds  in  Southern  New  Mexico,  Arizona,  Mexico, 
and  Guatemala. 

652.  Yellow  Warbler,  Dendroica  mstiva.  (Type,  Plato 
IX.)  Eggs,  3,  4,  or  5,  oval,  blotched,  spotted  and  dotted  with 
varying  shades  of  jjurple,  brown,  and  lilac  ;  .40  -\-  .61  to  .52 
-|-  .70.  Nests  placed  on  trees  and  busln'S,  composed  of  the 
hempen  fibres  of  plants,  the  outer  covering  of  ferns,  lined 
Avith  cotton  down,  etc.  Breeds  in  E.^"  jrn  North  America, 
west  to  the  jtlains,  south  to  the  Soutlieru  States,  in  May  and 
June. 

652a.  SoxoRA  Y''ellow  Waubllr,  Dendroica  wstiva  sono- 
rana.     Eggs,  probably  indistinguishable   from   those   of   No. 


; 


I  \ 


130 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


§ 


652.  Breeds  in  Southern  Arizona,  Western  Texas,  and  North- 
western Mexico.  Described  by  Brewster  in  "  Auli "  for  April, 
1888. 

653.  Mangrove  Waubler,  Dendroica  brynnti  casta neiceps. 
Eggs,  unknown,  but  probably  similar  to  those  of  Xo.  052. 
Breeds  in  Western  Mexico  and  Cape  Saint  Lucas,  Lower 
California. 

654.  Black-throated  Blue  Warbler,  Deiulroica  cfcnt- 
lescens.  Eggs,  4  or  5,  oval,  ashy  white,  spotted  and  blotched 
with  brown  and  lilac  of  varying  shades;  .47  -\-  .61  to  .50 
-|-  .66.  Nests  placed  in  bushes,  composed  of  strips  of  bark, 
twigs,  and  roots,  lined  with  fine  rootlets  and  hair.  Breeds  in 
Eastern  North  Anieriea,  from  New  England  (where  it  is  rare 
in  tlie  southern  portions)  and  Northern  New  York,  northward, 
in  June. 

655.  Yellow-rumpei)  Myrtle  Warbler,  Dendroica  cor- 
onata.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  more  uncommonly  5,  oval,  wliite,  blotched 
and  spotted,  usually  in  a  ring  around  the  larger  end,  with 
brown  and  puri)le  of  varying  shades;  .50  -|-  .73  to  .55  -|-  .80. 
Tlio  ))romincnt  ring  and  feather  lining  to  the  nest  usually 
characterize  this  species.  Nests  ,  oed  in  low  hemlocks  or 
spruces,  comiiosed  of  twigs,  lined  with  fentliors.  lireeds  in 
Eastern  North  America,  from  Northern  United  States  north- 
ward, in  June. 

656.  Aununox's  Warbler,  Dendroica  muhdwni.  Eggs,  4, 
oval,  pinkisli  white,  finely  but  sparingly  spotted  with  reddish 
brown  ;  .50  -(-  .70  to  .52  -f-  •''^3.  Nests  placed  in  bushes,  com- 
posed of  strips  of  bark,  leaves  of  grasses,  and  other  material. 
Breeds  in  Western  North  Anieriea,  north  to  Vancouver's 
Island,  in  June  and  July. 

657.  MA(i\oLiA  Warbler,  Dendroica  maculosa.  Eggs,  3 
and  4,  rarely  5,  oval,  ashy  white,  s])0tted  and  blotched,  usually 
in  a  ring  around  the  larger  end,  with  brown  and  lilac  of  vary- 
ing shades.  Tise  prevalent  lilac  shade  of  the  spottings  and 
ring  is  a  noticeable  characteristic ;  .50  -f-  .05  to  .5o  -f-  .07. 
Nests  jjlaced  in  low  trees  or  bushes,  composed  of  twigs,  and 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN   IlIliDS. 


131 


lined  willi  l)l;uk  horso-hair  and  rootlots.  Breeds  in  Easttru 
Norll)  Anu'rien,  from  Nortliern  New  England,  Northern  New 
York,  and  Northern  Michigan,  to  Hudson's  Buy  territory,  in 
June. 

658.  Ckuui-ean  Waurleu,  IJctidroica  ca.ruleci.  Ejrgs,  3  or  4, 
varying  from  bluish  to  creamy  white,  thickly  blotched,  chiefly 
on  the  larger  end,  with  reddish  brown  ;  .45-1-  .(50  to  .5i>  -j-  .09. 
Nests  placed  in  low  trees,  coni))Osed  of  dried  grasses  and  strips 
of  bark.  Breeds  in  Eastern  United  States,  from  Central  New 
York  and  the  Alleghanies  west  to  the  plains,  and  from  South- 
ern Canada  southward,  in  June. 

059.  CiiRSTNUT-siDED  Warbler,  Deudwicfi  2'>e>i/if<)/Iiui)r{ca. 
Eggs,  usually  4,  sometimes  3,  rarely  5,  oval,  white,  spotted 
and  blotched,  usually  about  the  larger  end,  with  varying  shades 
of  brown  and  lilac;  .46  -\-  .63  to  .49 -{- .65.  Distingidshed 
from  No.  613  by  the  white  color.  Nests  placed  in  bushes, 
composed  of  hempen  fibres  of  plants,  fern,  moss,  etc.  Bi-eeds 
in  Eastern  United  States  and  Southern  Canada  west  to  the 
plains,  and  south  to  Central  Illinois,  and  along  the  mountain 
ranges  farther  south,  in  June. 

600.  Bay-breasted  "Warbler,  Dendi'oica  castanea.  Eggs, 
4  to  6,  oval,  bluish  green,  spotted  and  blotched,  usually  in  a 
ring  around  the  larger  end,  with  reddish  brov/n  and  !ih:c; 
.50  -\-  .65  to  .53  -f-  .71.  The  eggs  of  this  and  No.  001  are 
distinguished  by  the  large  size.  Nests  placed  in  large  trees, 
romposed  of  twigs  and  moss,  lined  with  moss,  rootlets,  and 
h  ir.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America,  from  Northern  New 
England  and  Northern  Michigan,  north  to  Hudson's  Bay,  in 
June. 

661.  Black-poll  Warbler.  Eggs,  3,  4,  or  5,  rarely  6, 
oval,  white,  blotched  :iiid  dotted  profi.Hcly  with  purple,  brown, 
and  lavender  ;  .50  -\-  ,72  to  .52  -j-  .74.  Nests  ])lac('d  in  bushes, 
or  rarely  on  the  ground,  composed  of  twigs  sind  rootlets,  liiK  d 
with  tine  grass  and  strav.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America, 
from  Northern  New  England,  Grand  ^lanan,  north  to  Green- 
land and  the  Barren  Ground,  in  June. 


132 


EGOS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


662.  Blackhurnian  Warbler,  Dendroica  blackbumicB. 
Kggs.  3  or  4,  oval,  pale  greenish  white,  spotted  and  blotched, 
usually  aiound  the  larger  end,  with  brown  and  lilac  of  varying 
shades ;  .44  -|-  .03  to  .45  -j-  .65.  Nests  placed  in  trees,  com- 
posed of  strips  of  bark,  lined  with  feathers  and  hair.  Breeds 
in  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  plains,  from  Northern 
New  England  northward,  and  along  the  Alleghanies  to  Penn- 
sylvania, in  3Iay. 

663.  Yellot-throated  Warbler,  Dendroica  dominica. 
Eggs,  3,  4,  or  rarely  5,  oval,  varying  from  greenish  to  ashy 
white,  finely  dotted  and  spotted,  mainly  around  the  larger 
end,  with  dark  brown  and  purple;  .51  -f-  -70  to  .53  -|-  -76. 
Distinguished  by  the  fine  markings.  Nests  composed  of  Span- 
ish moss,  and  pensile,  but  are  sometimes  flat  and  open,  -om- 
posed  of  bark,  grass,  etc.,  and  lined  with  feathers.  Breeds  in 
Southeastern  United  States,  from  the  Middle  States  southward, 
and  in  the  Bahamas,  in  April  and  May. 

663a.  Sycamore  Warbler,  Dendroica  dominica  albilora. 
Eggs,  probably  not  to  be  distinguished  from  those  of  No.  663. 
Breeds  in  the  Mississippi  Valley,  west  to  the  plains,  and  north 
to  Lake  Erie  and  Southern  Michigan. 

664.  Grace's  Warbler,  Dendroica  gracice.  Eggs,  unde- 
scribed.  Breeds  in  Southern  New  Mexico,  Arizona,  and 
southward. 

665.  Black-throated  Gray  Warbler,  Dendroica  nigres- 
cens.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  white  or  creamy,  spotted,  mainly  on  the 
larger  end,  with  reddish  brown,  umber,  and  lilac ;  .49  -f-  .60 
to  .50  -|-  .61.  Breeds  in  Western  United  States,  north  to 
Colorado  and  Oregon. 

666.  Golden-cheeked  Warbler,  Dendroica  chrysoparia. 
Eggs,  4,  oval,  white,  spotted  and  dotted,  not  coarsely,  with 
reddish  brown  and  lilac ;  .52  -j-  .73  to  .55  -\-  .75.  Nests  placed 
in  cedar-trees,  composed  of  strips  of  cedar  bark  fastened  with 
spider's  webs,  lined  with  feathers  or  hair.  Breeds  from  Central 
Texas  southward. 


EGOS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN   BIRDS. 


133 


667.  Black-tiiuoated  Green  Waebleb,  Deiidroica  virens. 
Eggs,  4,  oval,  white,  blotched  over  the  entire  surface  with  brown 
and  purple  of  varying  shades  ;  .50  -j-  .70  to  .52  -\-  .73.  Nests 
placed  in  high  pines  or  bushes,  composed  of  twigs,  grasses, 
fibrous  steins  of  plants,  lined  with  downy  substances.  Breeds 
m  Eastern  North  America  west  to  the  plains,  from  New  Eng- 
land northward  to  Hudson's  Bay,  in  June. 

668.  Townsend's  Waubler,  Dendroica  toionsendi.  Eggs, 
4,  creamy  white,  spotted  around  the  larger  end  with  brown, 
umber,  and  lilac ;  .50  -|-  .60  to  .51  +  .61.  Nests  placed  in 
trees,  composed  of  the  hempen  fibres  of  plants,  fine  twigs,  and 
lichens,  lined  with  soft  bark  and  hair.  Breeds  in  Western 
North  America,  from  Sitka  southward,  east  to  Western 
Colorado,  in  June. 

669.  Hermit  Warbler,  Dendroica  occidetitalis.  Eggs,  4, 
ashy  white,  spotted  and  blotched  with  brown,  umber,  and 
lilac;  .50  -[-.60  to  .51  -|-  .61.  Nests  placed  in  trees.  Breeds 
in  Western  United  States,  from  the  Rocky  Mountains  to  the 
Pacific  coast,  and  from  Washington  Territory  southward,  in 
June. 

670.  Kirtland's  Warbler,  Dendroica  kirtlandi.  Eggs 
and  genex-al  breeding  ground,  unknown,  although  it  may  occa- 
sionally nest  in  Michigan  and  other  States  of  this  region. 

671.  Pine  Warbler,  Dendroica  vigorsii.  Eggs,  3,  4,  or  5, 
oval,  bluish  white,  finely  dotted  and  blotched  with  dark  pur- 
plish brown  and  lilac;  .53 -|- .70  to  .55-}-  .72.  The  bluish 
tinting  is  a  characteristic  feature.  Nests  i)laced  in  trees, 
usually  pines,  composed  of  bark,  leaves,  etc.,  lined  with  feath- 
ers and  hair.  Breeds  in  Eastern  United  States,  west  lo  the 
plains,  and  from  Florida  north  to  Ontario  and  New  Brunswick  ; 
in  March  in  the  Carolinas  and  southward,  in  'Shxy  in  Massa- 
chusetts, also  on  the  Bahamas. 

672.  Palm  Warbler,  Dendroica  palmar um.  Eugs,  4,  oval, 
creamy  white,  spotted  and  blotched,  usually  about  the  larger 
end,  with  purple,  lilac,  and  reddish  brown.     The  reddish  and 


134 


EOGS  OF  NORTff  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


■  1 


purplish  markings  are  permanent  ch.nracloristics  ;  .52  -j-  .75  to 
.55  -|-  .70.  NoNtH  placed  on  the  ground,  <ompo8ed  of  grass, 
bark,  and  mosses.  Breeds  in  the  northern  interior,  to  Great 
Slave  Lake,  i!i  Juno. 

672a.  Ykm.ow  P.vLur  Waui.ler,  Dendroica  pcdmarum 
hypoch)'>/sea.  Eggs  and  nests  indistinguishable  from  those  of 
No.  672.  I^reeds  from  Nova  Scotia  and  New  Brunswick,  north 
to  Hudson's  Bay,  in  June. 

673.  PuAiRiK  S^ .\m\\A'.VL,  Dendroica  discolor.  Eggs,  usually 
4,  sometimes  3  or  5,  rarely  6,  oval,  white,  spotted  and  blotched 
with  lilac,  purple,  and  brown  ;  .45  -\-  .05  to  .48  +  -68.  Nests 
placed  in  bushes,  composed  of  flax-like  fibres  of  plants,  line 
strips  of  bark,  lined  with  downy  material  and  feathers.  Breeds 
in  Eastern  United  States,  west  to  the  plains,  from  Michigan, 
southward,  in  June. 

074.  Oven  Bird,  Seiurus  aurocapiUus.  (Type,  Plate  IX.) 
Eggs,  5  or  6,  oval,  creamy  white,  spotted  and  blotched,  usually 
more  thickly  about  the  larger  end,  with  reddish  brown  and 
lilac,  and  these  often  form  a  crown  around  the  larger  end ; 
.52  -j-  .80  to  .55  -f-  '82.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground,  com- 
posed of  leaves,  grass,  usually  globular.  Breeds  in  Eastern 
North  America,  from  Kansas,  Iowa,  the  Ohio  Valley,  and 
Virginia,  north  to  Hudson's  Bay  Territory  and  Alaska,  in  May 
and  June. 

675.  Water  Thrush,  Seittrus  /  oveboracensis.  Eggs,  4  to 
6,  white,  spotted  and  blotched,  usually  more  thickly  on  the 
larger  end,  where  they  often  form  a  ring,  with  reddish  brown, 
purple,  and  lilac;  .65 -|- .81  to  .69 -|- -87.  The  puiij)lish  and 
lilac  markings  are  quite  characteristic.  Nests  placed  on  the 
ground,  composed  of  leaves  and  moss,  lined  with  fine  moss 
and  rootlets.  Breeds  in  Eastern  United  States,  but  confined 
to  the  Northern  States  north  to  Arctic  America,  in  June. 

675rt.  Gkinnell's  Water  Thrush,  Seiurus  novehoracensis 
notabilis.  Eggs,  ])robab]y  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No. 
675.  Breeds  in  the  United  States,  from  Illinois  west  to  Cali- 
fornia, north  into  British  America. 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


135 


676.  LouiHiAN A  Watkr  Thrush,  Seiurns  mottcilla.  Eggs., 
usually  5,  often  4,  ami  sonjetinu's  6  rounded  oval,  creamy 
white,  spotted  and  hlotched,  usually  nion;  thickly  on  the  larger 
end,  where  there  is  often  a  ring,  with  hrown  :iiid  lilac  of  .  tiry- 
ing  shades;  .60  -f-  .71  to  .64  -|-  .7H.  Nests  placed  on  the 
ground  or  among  the  roots  of  fallen  trees,  composed  of  leaves, 
njoss,  grass,  etc.,  lined  with  fine  grass  and  hair.  Breeds  in 
Eastern  United  States,  north  to  Southern  Mew  England  and 
Michigan,  west  to  the  plains. 

677.  Kentucky  Waruler,  Geothhjpis  formom.  Eggs,  4 
or  5,  oval,  white,  finely  spotted  and  dotted  with  reihlish  hrown, 
bul  more  abundantly  on  the  larger  end  ;  .53  -\-  .65  to  .56  -j- 
.70.  Nests  usually  placed  on  the  ground,  —  bulky  structures, 
composed  of  leaves,  rootlets,  and  grass.  Breeds  in  Eastern 
United  States,  west  to  the  plains,  and  north  to  Southern  New 
England  and  Southern  Michigan,  but  rare  in  the  northeastern 
section. 

678.  Connecticut  "WARnLER,  Geothh/pis  agilis.  Eggs,  4 
to  0,  creamy  white,  or  white  dotted  and  spotted  with  reddish 
brown  and  lilac ;  .53  -j-  .75  to  .54  -\-  .76.  Nests  placed  on  the 
ground,  in  swampy  locations,  composed  of  roots,  leaves,  etc., 
compactly  arranged.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America,  north 
of  the  United  States. 

679.  Mourning  Warbler,  Geothhj nis  Philadelphia.  Eggs, 
4  or  5,  oblong,  oval,  pinkish  v;-hite,  blotched  and  (lotted  with 
purplish  brown ;  .53  -j-  .73  to  .55  -\-  .7').  Nests  placed  on  the 
ground  c  near  it,  composed  of  leaves  and  grass  lined  with 
finer  material.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the 
plains,  from  the  mountainous  portions  of  Pennsylvania,  New 
England,  New  York,  and  Northern  IMichigan,  northward,  in 
June. 

680.  Macgillivray's  Wakbler,  GtatMypis  macf/dlliorai/i. 
Eggs,  4,  oval,  pinkish  white,  spotted  an<i  blotched  with  j)urj>le, 
lilac,  reddish  and  very  dark  brown ;  .50  -j-  .75  to  .52  -\-  .78. 
Nests  placed  on  the  ground  or  near  it,  composed  of  strips  of 
bark,  roots,  and  grasses.     Breeds  in  Wesl^-rn  United  States, 


;  1    •       1   '     ,       "       '     1 

1  I    1  •■     1  a        •    >      > ■ 

1  It      •    •     •     >  '  1     ■    ' 

til.     It!       11  11        I 


i*»i%*»i^     •      «>>»« 


136 


EGGS    OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


from  the  eastern   foothills   of  the   Rocky  Mountains   to  the 
Pacific  coast,  north  into  British  Columbia,  in  June. 

68 i.  Maryland  Ykllow-throat,  Geothlypis  trichas.  Eggs, 
sometimes  3,  usually  4  or  5,  rarefy  6,  oval,  varying  from  white 
to  creamy,  spotted,  blotched,  and  lined  with  brown  and  lilac 
of  two  or  three  shades  ;  .53  -{-  .68  to  .67  -\-  .85.  Nests  placed 
on  the  ground  or  near  it,  composed  of  leaves,  grass,  etc.,  lined 
with  fine  grass  and  hair.  Breeds  in  Eastern  United  States, 
mainly  east  of  the  Alleghanies,  from  Florida  north  to  Nova 
Scotia  and  Ontario,  in  May  and  June. 

681a.  Western  Yellow-throat,  Geothlypis  trichas  oeci- 
dentalis.  Eggs  and  nests,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No. 
681.  Breeds  in  the  United  States,  from  the  Mississippi  Valley 
west  to  the  Pacific. 

682.  Belding's  Yellow-throat,  Geothlypis  heldlngi. 
Eggs,  unknown.     Breeds  in  Lower  California. 

683.  Yellow-breasted  Chat,  Icteria  virens.  Eggs,  usually 
4,  often  3,  and  rarely  5,  oval,  glossy  white,  spotted  and  blotched 
with  reddish  brown  and  lilac,  often  more  thickly  on  the  larger 
end,  where  there  is  sometimes  a  ring ;  .65  -\-  .85  to  .70  -\-  .95. 
Closely  rv^semble  those  of  No.  674.  Nests  placed  in  bushes, 
composed  of  coarse  grasses,  leaves,  and  the  stems  of  plants, 
lined  with  "".ner  material.  Broeds  in  Eastern  United  States 
west  to  the  plains,  from  Georgia  north  to  Ontario  and  Massa- 
chusetts, whero  it  is  iocally  distributed. 

683a.  Long-tailed  Chat,  Icteria  virens  longicaiK  i.  Eggs 
and  nests  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  683,  and  breeds 
in  Western  United  States,  from  the  plains  to  the  Pacific. 

684.  Hooded  Warbler,  Sylvania  mitrata.  Eggs,  usually 
4,  sometimes  3,  rarely  5,  oval,  white,  finely  doited  and  marked 
with  reddish  and  pale  purple  ;  .45  -|-  .65  to  .50  -j-  .70.  Nests 
placed  not  far  from  the  ground,  composed  of  leaves  and  grass, 
lined  with  fine  grass  and  horse-hair.  Breeds  in  Eastern  United 
States,  west  to  the  plains,  nortli  and  east  to  Michigan,  South- 
ern New  York,  and  Southern  New  England. 


I    t    • 
•  •   •  • 


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,  ••  • 


EGGS  OF  NOh'TH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


137 


685.  Wii  son's  Warbler,  Sylvania  piisilla.  Eggs,  4,  oval, 
dull  v.'hite,  dotted  wi:h  reddisb  and  brown,  usually  on  the  larger 
end,  v.Iicre  there  is  often  a  ring;  .48  -|-  .63  to  .50  -|-  .65. 
Nests  placed  in  trees,  composed  of  twigs  and  mosses,  lined 
wiih  finer  material.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America  to  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  inciiiding  them,  from  the  northern  border 
of  the  United  States  north  to  Hudson's  Bay  territory  and 
Alaska. 

685a.  PiLEOLATED  Warbler,  Sylvania  pusilla  pileolata. 
Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  685.  Breeds  in  Western  North 
America,  from  the  Great  Basin  to  the  Pacific,  north  to  Alaska. 

686.  Canadian  Warbler,  Sylvcmia  canadensis.  Eggs,  4 
or  5,  oval,  white,  marked  with  lilac  and  brown  of  varying 
shades ;  .48  -\-  .60  to  .55  -j-  .70.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground, 
in  swamjiy  locations,  composed  of  grass,  leaves,  v^otlets,  ei, ., 
lined  with  finer  material.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America, 
westward  to  the  plains,  and  north  to  Newfoundland,  Southern 
Labrador,  and  Lake  Winnipeg,  and  south,  rarely,  to  Massa- 
chusetts, in  June. 

687.  American  Redstart,  Setophaga  ruticilla.  Eggs, 
usually  4,  sometimes  3  and  5,  oval,  ashy  white,  sjtotted  over 
the  entire  surface,  but  usually  more  thickly  on  the  large*  end, 
with  lilac,  yellowish,  and  pale  brown ;  .48  -\-  .60  to  .50  -|-  .65. 
Distinguished  from  those  of  No.  652,  which  they  somewhat 
resemble,  by  the  general  grayer  tinting.  Nests  placed  in  trees, 
composed  of  hemp-like  fibres  of  plants,  strips  of  bark,  w(!od 
stalks,  and  feathers.  Breeds  in  North  America,  north  to  Fort 
Simpson,  west  to  the  Great  Basins,  and  south  to  the  middle 
districts,  in  June. 

688.  Painted  Redstart,  Setophaga  picta.  Eggs,  8  or  4, 
oval,  white,  delicately  spotted  with  pale  reddish  brown,  sparsely 
distributed  over  the  entire  surface,  and  forming  a  ring  around 
the  larger  end  ;  .49  -\-  .64  io  .50  -|-  .66.  Nests  placed  under 
j)rojecting  stones  on  the  banks  of  streams,  cuiuposed  of  bark, 
the  coarse  fibres  from  weed  stalks,  and  fine  grasses.  Biiveds  in 
Southern  Arizona,  south  through  Mexico,  in  May. 


i 


138 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA!^  BIRDS. 


!l 


G89.  Red-bellied  Redstart,  Setophaga  miniata.  Eggs, 
unknown.  Extraliraital ;  breeds  in  Mexico  and  Guatemala. 
Bird  accidental  in  Texas. 

690.  Red-faced  Wauuleu,  CardelUna  rubrifrons.  Eggs, 
4,  ashy  white,  spotted,  blotched,  and  dotted  around  the  larger 
end  with  purj)li8h  and  paler  lavender;  .50  -j-  '68  to  .50  -\-  .07. 
Nt'sts  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  leaves  and  fine  bark. 
Breeds  m  Southern  Arizona,  througli  Mexico  to  Guatenuihi. 
Bird  accidental  in  Texas,  and  is  thus  extralimital. 

691.  Red  Warbler,  Ergaticus  ruber.  Eggs,  undescribcd. 
Breeds  in  Mexico.  Bird  accidental  m  Texas,  thus  is  extra- 
limital. 

692.  Brasher's  Warbler,  Basileuterus  cuUcivorus.  Eggs, 
undescribcd.  Extralimital;  breeds  ni  Mexii-o  and  Central 
America.     Bird  accidental  in  Texas. 

693.  Bell's  Warbler,  Basileuterus  belli.  Eggs,  unde- 
scribcd. Extralimital ;  breeds  in  Mexico  and  Guatemala. 
Bird  accidental  in  Texas. 


Family  LVII.  —  MOTACILLIDiE.     Wagtails. 

Eggs,  usually  profusrly  spotted,  often  so  thickly  as  to  obscure 
the  ground  color,  and  are  deposited  in  nests  that  are  placed  on 
the  ground,  composed  of  leaves,  grass,  or  other  convenient 
material. 

694.  White  Wagtail,  Motacilla  alba.  Eggs,  4  to  6,  oval, 
grayish  white,  thickly  dotted  with  ashy  and  black ;  .55  -j-  .75 
to  .59  -\-  .79.  Breeds  in  Northern  Europe  and  Northern  Asia. 
Bird  accidental  in  Greeidand,  and  is  thus  extralimital. 

695.  Swixhoe's  Wagtail,  Motacilla  ocularis.  Eggs,  unde- 
scribcd. Extralimital ;  breeds  in  Norlheastern  Siberia.  Bird 
accidental  ni  Lower  California. 

696.  Siberian  Yellow  Wagtail,  Budijtes  flavus  leuco- 
striatus.  Eggs,  4  to  7,  ashy  white  to  brownish,  tliickly  spotted 
and  blotched  over  the  entire  surface  with  brown  of  varying 
shades;  .54  -|-  .75  to  .55  -j-  -"6.     Nests  placed  on  the  ground, 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


139 


composed  of  grass,  leaves,  etc.     Extralimital ;  breeds  in  Alaska 
aud  Northern  Siberia,  south  to  China. 

697.  Amkkica^  VipiT,  Atithus  pensilvanicus.  Eggs,  4  to  6, 
oval,  liglit  brown,  thickly  spotted  Avith  chocolate  brown ;  .62 
-j-  .75  to  .64  -|-  .78.  Breeds  in  North  America,  north  of  the 
U'.i  jd  States,  and  southward  along  the  higher  parts  of  the 
Kocky  Mountains,  in  June. 

698.  Meadow  Pipit,  Anthus  pratensis.  Eggs,  5  or  6,  oval, 
reddish  brown,  mottled  thickly  with  darker  brown  ;  .58  -}-  .78 
to  .60  -j-  .80.  Breeds  in  Europe.  Bird  accidental  in  Green- 
land, thus  is  extralimital. 

699.  Red-throatkd  Pipit,  Anthus  cervinus.  Eggs,  un- 
known to  me.  Extralimital ;  occurs  in  northern  pai'ts  of  the 
Old  World.     Bird  accidental  in  Lower  California. 

700.  Spuaguk's  Pipit,  AiUhiis  spragueii.  Eggs,  4  or  5, 
oval,  dull  white,  minutely  dotted  with  grayish  purple ;  .60  -|- 
.85  to  .63  -|-  .87.  Breeds  in  the  interior  plains  of  North 
America,  from  Central  Dakota  northward  to  the  Saskatchewan 
district,  and  from  the  Red  River  westward,  in  June. 

Family  LVIII.  — CINCLTD^.    Dippers. 

Eggs,  white,  unspotted,  deposited  in  nests  that  are  globular 
in  shape,  and  placed  on  the  banks  of  streams. 

701.  American  Dipper,  Cinclus  mexinanis.  Eggs,  3  or 
4,  oval,  white ;  .65  -\-  1.00  to  .70  -\-  1.04.  Nests  composed 
of  moss,  grass,  and  roots,  globular  in  form.  Breeds  in  the 
mountainous  i)arts  of  Centr.nl  and  Western  Nortli  America, 
from  the  Yukon  Valley  and  ITnalaska  southward,  cast  in  the 
United  States  to  the  eastern  base  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  in 
April  and  May. 


Family  LTX.  —  TROGLODYTIDiE.     Wrens, 
Thrashers,   Etc 
Eggs,  extremely  variable  in  color  and  number,  deposited  in 
nests  that  are  also  variable  in  structure  and  in  situations  in 
which  they  are  placed. 


140 


EGGS  OF  NORTU  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


702.  Sack  Thkasmer,  Oroscoptes  montanus.  Eggs,  4,  oval, 
bluish  gix-.n,  spotted  and  blotched  quite  coarsely  with  reddish 
brown  and  lilac.  The  peculiar  bluish  green  color  is  the  most 
noticeable  character ;  .73  -f-  1-00  to  .75  -j-  1.05.  Nests  placed 
in  bushes,  composed  of  twigs,  strips  of  bark,  and  hair.  Breeds 
in  Western  United  States,  from  the  western  portions  of  the 
plains  to  the  Pacific,  in  April  and  May. 

703.  MocKiNG-iuuD,  Mimus  i^olyglottos.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  light 
greenish  blue,  spotted  and  blotched  rather  coarsely  with  brown 
of  varying  shades  and  lilac  ;  .69  -f-  1-04  to.  81  -  -  1,06.  The  pale 
ground  color  and  rather  light  spottiugs  are  the  most  noticeable 
features.  Nests  placed  in  trees  and  bushes,  composed  of  twigs, 
grass,  and  weeds,  lined  with  rootlets.  Breeds  in  the  United 
States,  from  New  Jersey,  the  valley  of  the  Ohio,  Colorado, 
and  California,  southward,  in  April  and  May. 

704.  Catbird,  Galeoscoptes  caroUnensis.  Eggs,  4  to  6, 
oval,  deep  greenish  blue,  unspotted.  The  shade  of  the  green- 
ish blue  is  darker  than  that  of  any  other  eggs  that  I  ever  saw; 
.65  -j-  .97  to  .69  -}-  .98.  Nests  placed  in  bushes,  composed  of 
twigs,  strips  of  bark,  lined  with  rootlets.  Breeds  in  Eastern 
United  States  aid  the  British  Provinces  west  to  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  and  including  them,  south  to  the  middle  districts, 
in  June. 

705.  Brown  Turasher,  Harporhynchus  rufus.  (Type, 
Plate  VIII.)  Eggs,  4  or  5,  rarely  6,  rather  elliptical,  pale 
green,  finely  and  profusely  dotted  with  reddish  brown  ;  .76  -j- 
,99  to  .87  -\-  1.12.  Fine  markings  characterize  the  eggs  of 
this  and  No.  707.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground  or  in  bushes, 
composed  of  twigs,  strips  of  bark,  and  fibrous  rootlets.  Breeds 
in  Eastern  United  States  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and 
from  Southern  Maine,  Ontario,  and  Manitoba  southward,  in 
May  and  June. 

706.  Long-billed  Thrasher,  Harporhynchus  longirostris 
sennetti.  Eggs  and  nests,  ".ndistinguishable  from  those  of  No. 
705.  Breeds  in  Eastern  Mexico  north  to  the  valley  of  the 
Rio  Grande^  in  Texas. 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


141 


707.  Curve-billed  Thrasher,  Ilarporhynchus  curvirostris. 
Eggs,  4  or  5,  oval,  pale  green,  minutely  dotted,  but  not 
thickly,  with  reddish  brown  ;  .77  -|-  1.03  to  .84  +  \.V1.  The 
pale  green  is  quite  prominent,  because  less  covered  with  spot- 
tings.  Nests  placed  in  bushes,  composed  of  rootlets,  lined 
with  grass.  Breeds  in  Eastern  Mexico,  north  into  the  south- 
ern border  of  Texas  and  New  Mexico,  in  April. 

707a.  Palmer's  Tji.,  isnER,  Ilarporhynchus  curvirostris 
pahneri.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  oval,  pale  green,  minutely  dotted  with 
reddish  brown  ;  .82  +  1.05  to  .83  -f-  1.09.  Nests  placed  at 
an  elevation  from  the  ground,  composed  of  twigs,  and  lined 
with  grass.     Breeds  in  Southern  Arizona,  in  June. 

708.  Bendire's  Thrasher,  Ilarporhynchus  bendirei.  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  greenish  white,  faintly  marked  with  drab,  reddish 
brown,  and  lavender,  more  numerous  on  the  larger  end.  The 
chief  characteristics  are  the  pale  spottings.  Nests  placed  in 
bushes,  composed  of  vegetable  fibres  and  grass,  outside  which 
are  twigs.  Breeds  in  Southern  Arizona,  south  into  Mexico, 
in  March,  April,  May,  and  June. 

709.  Saint  Lucas  Thrasher,  Ilarporhynchus  cinereus. 
Eggs,  3  or  4,  oval,  greenish  white,  spotted  and  blotched  pro- 
fusely with  purple  and  brown;  .77  -|-  1.12  to  .79  -j-  1.13.  The 
profuse  markings  are  the  most  noticeable  features.  Nests 
placed  in  bushes,  composed  of  twigs,  grass,  etc.  Breeds  in 
Lower  California,  in  March,  April,  May,  and  June. 

710.  Califorxia  Thrasher,  Ilarporhynchus  redivimis. 
Eggs,  3  or  4,  oval,  pale  bluish  green,  spotted  and  blotched, 
rather sp.aringly,  with  reddish  brown;  .81  -f-  140  to  .93  -|- 
1.20.  The  large  spottings  are  remarkable.  Nests  i)laced  in 
bushes,  composed  of  twigs,  rootlets,  and  grass.  Bn-eds  in  the 
coast  region  of  California  and  Lower  California,  in  May  and 
June. 

711.  Lecoxte's  Tiirashkr,  Harporhynchits  lecontei.  Eggs 
similar  in  number,  color,  and  size  to  those  of  No.  710,  and  the 
nests  .and  nesting  habits  arc  also  similar.  Breeds  in  the  v.illeys 
of  the  Gila  and  Lower  Colorado  liivers,  south  into  Sonora. 


i  ; 


R! 


142 


EGGS   OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


I 


i   :!i 


N' 


712.  Ckissal  Thrasher,  Ilarporhynchns  crissalis.  Eggs, 
3  or  4,  ovul,  bluish  green,  unspotted;  .75 -|- 1-08  to  .76  + 
1.14.  The  nnspottetl  egg  is  remarkable  in  a  member  of  this 
group.  Nests  similar  to  those  of  other  Thrashers  that  breed  in 
the  same  region.  Breeds  in  Southwestern  United  States,  from 
New  Mexico  to  Utah  and  Southern  California,  in  May. 

713.  Cactus  Wren,  i:\impiilorhyncTms  bruniieicapillus. 
Eggs,  4  to  6,  oval,  white,  but  so  covered  with  saltnon-colored 
dots  as  to  nearly  conceal  the  ground  color;  .65  -j-  1.00  to  .68 
-\-  1.02.  The  general  salmon-colored  effect  is  characteristic. 
Nests  composed  of  grass  neatly  woven  into  a  purse-shaped 
poucli,  and  placed  flat  on  the  stems  of  cacti.  Breeds  in  the 
southern  border  of  the  United  States,  from  Texas  to  Southern 
California,  and  south  into  Northern  Mexico,  in  May. 

714.  Saint  Lucas  Cactus  Wrex,  fJampylorhynchiis  affinis. 
Ej^^s  and  nests,  indistinguichable  from  those  of  No.  713. 
There  is  a  coarse  type  of  markings  that  is,  perhaps,  oftener 
assumed  by  these  than  by  those  of  No.  713.  Breeds  in  Lower 
California. 

715.  Rock  Wren,  Salpinctes  ohsoletus.  Sggs,  6  to  7,  oval, 
white,  sparingly  spotted,  chiefly  on  the  larger  end,  with  brown- 
ish red ;  .60  -\-  .lb  to  .66  -f-  '77.  The  general  light  color  is 
one  chief  characteristic.  Nests  placed  in  holes  of  rocks  or  in 
buildings,  composed  of  grass,  feathers,  etc.  Breeds  in  West- 
ern United  States,  from  the  western  border  of  the  plains  to 
the  Pacific. 

716.  Guadalupe  Rock  Wren,  Salpinctes  guadeloupensis. 
Eggs,  probably  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  715. 
Breed?  on  Guadalupe  Island,  Lower  California. 

717.  White-throated  Wren,  Catherpen  mexicamis.  Eggs, 
probably  similar  to  those  of  No.  717a.  Extralimital ;  breeds 
in  ]\[c'.\ico  ;  l>ird  accidental  in  Texas. 

717^7.  Canon  Wren,  Catherpes  mexicanns  conspersiis. 
Eggs,  5  or  6,  oval,  white,  sparingly  spotted,  dotted,  and 
blotched  with  pale  reddish  brown,  the  markings  being  more 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


143 


numerous  on  the  larger  end  ;  .52  -|-  .73  to  .ri5  -\-  .lb.  The 
very  pale  colors  separate  them  from  those  of  No.  715.  Ne^ts 
placed  in  holes  of  rocky  clitfs,  composed  of  t^\•ig8,  down,  and 
feathers.  Breeds  in  Southwestern  United  States,  from  West- 
ern Texas  and  Colorado  to  the  Pacific,  in  June. 

7176.  Dotted  Canon  Wkkx,  ('atherpes  mcxictmiis  punctu- 
latns.  Eggs,  probably  indistinguishable  from  tliose  of  No. 
717,  and  the  nests  and  nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in 
California,  Lower  California,  Arizona,  and  New  Mexico. 

71S.  Carolina  Wuen,  llirijothorus  bidovicionus.  Eggs, 
5  or  6,  oval,  creamy  white,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly 
with  reddish  brown  and  lilac;  .56  -|-  .75  to  .60  -f-  -80.  Nests 
composed  of  the  fibrous  substance  that  grows  at  the  base  of 
the  palmetto  fronds,  leaves,  or  twigs,  lined  with  fine  material. 
Breeds  in  Eastern  United  States,  north  to  Pennsylvania,  west 
to  the  plains,  in  April  and  May. 

718a.  Flortba  Wren,  Thryothorua  ludomcianas  mi'amensis. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  718.  Breeds  in 
Southern  Florida,  in  April. 

719.  Bkwick's  Wren,  Thryothorvs  bewicHi.  Eggs,  4  to 
6,  oval,  white,  spotted  and  dotted  with  reddish  brown  and 
lilac ;  .50  -\-  .67  to  .55  -|-  .70.  The  white  ground  color  sepa- 
rates them  from  those  of  No.  718,  which  are  oroamv.  Nests 
placed  in  holes  of  trees  or  in  crevices  in  rocks,  buildings,  etc. 
Composed  of  twigs,  grass,  etc.,  lined  with  feathers.  Breeds  in 
Eastern  United  States,  from  Georgia  north  lo  New  Jersey  and 
Minnesota,  west  to  Eastern  Texas  and  the  eastern  border  of 
the  plains,  in  May. 

719a.  Vigor's  Wren,  Thryothorus  beioickii  spilurus.  Eggs, 
similar  to  those  of  No.  719.  Breeds  in  the  Pacific  coast  region 
of  North  America,  from  British  Columbia  southward  to  Lower 
California  and  Western  Mexico. 

719J.  Baird's  Wren,  Thryothorus  hewicJcii  bairdi.  Eggs, 
similar  to  those  of  No.  719.  Breeds  in  Southern  Texas  and 
Arizona,  north  to  Middle  Kansas,  Colorado,  and  Southern 
Utah. 


144 


EGOS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


151    Ji 


'^l     t 


■If' 


I    t 


!| 


720.  Guadalupe  Wren,  Thryothoriis  brevicaudus.  Eggs, 
undescribed.     Breeds  on  Guadalupe  Island,  Lower  California. 

721.  House  Wren,  Troglodytes  aedon.  Eggs,  6  or  7,  oval, 
pinkish  white,  spotted  and  dotted  with  reddish  brown,  often 
so  thickly  as  to  cover  the  surface  ;  .50  -\-  .70  to  .53  -\-  .75. 
The  general  reddish  effect  is  a  striking  peculiarity.  Nests 
placed  in  holes  of  trees,  in  martin  boxes,  crevices  in  buildings, 
etc.,  composed  of  twigs,  grass,  etc.,  lined  with  feathers.  Breeds 
in  Eastern  United  States  and  Southern  Canada,  west  to 
Indiana  and  Louisiana,  in  June. 

721a.  Parkman's  Wren,  Troglodytes  aedon  parkmatiii. 
Eggs  and  nests,  similar  to  those  of  No.  721.  Breeds  in  West- 
ern North  America,  from  Texas,  Illinois,  Minnesota,  and  Mani- 
toba, westward ;  north  to  Great  Slave  Lake,  south  to  Mexico 
and  Lower  California. 

7216.  Western  House  Wren,  Troglodytes  aedon  aztecus. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  721,  and  the  nests 
and  nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  Western  United 
States,  except  Pacific  coast,  east  as  far  as  Illinois.  Separated 
by  Allen  in  "Auk"  for  April,  1888. 

722.  Winter  Wren,  Troglodytes  hiemalis.  Eggs,  5  to  7, 
oval,  white,  rather  sparsely  dotted  with  reddish  brown,  the 
markings  usually  being  thickest  on  the  larger  end ;  .45  -|-  -65 
to  .48  -\-  .68.  The  white  ground  color  and  generally  sparse 
markings  are  the  chief  characteristics.  Nests,  compact  globes 
of  green  moss,  strengthened  by  a  few  twigs,  with  the  narrow 
entrance  on  the  side,  placed  on  the  ground.  Breeds  in  East- 
ern North  America,  from  the  northern  parts  of  the  United 
States  northward,  in  June. 

722a.  Western  Winter  Wren,  Troglodytes  hiemalis 
jjacificus.  Eggs,  probably  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No. 
722.  Breeds  on  the  Pacific  coast,  from  Sitka  to  Southern 
California. 

723.  Alaskan  Wren,  Troglodytes  alascensis.  Eggs,  7  to 
12,  white,  minutely  and  sparsely  dotted  with  reddish.     Nests 


E0G8  OF  NOHTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


145 


|)W 
5t- 


lis 
to. 
irn 


to 


placed  in  holes  of  rocks,  composed  of  moss,  roots,  and  feathers. 
Breeds  in  the  Aleutian  and  Prvbilof  Islands,  Alaska. 

724.  Shokt-hiij^ed  Marsh  Wren,  Cistothoras  stellaris. 
Eggs,  4  to  tj,  short  oval,  white,  unspotted  ;  .50  -j-  .60  to  .55  -j- 
.75.  The  white  color  and  rather  thick  polished  shell  and  short 
oval  separate  them  from  other  white  eggs  of  the  same  size. 
Nests  placed  in  grass,  globular,  comi>()sed  of  grass,  woven  when 
living,  lined  with  line  grass.  Br(>eds  in  Eastern  United  States 
and  Southern  British  Provinces,  south  to  the  middle  districts, 
and  west  to  the  plains,  in  July. 

725.  Long-rilled  Marsh  Wren,  Cistothorus  palustrU. 
(Tyjie,  Plate  VIII.)  Eggs,  5  to  7,  short  oval,  pale  brown, 
thickly  spotted  and  dotted  with  a  darker  shade  of  the  same, 
often  so  thickly  as  to  cover  the  entire  surface ;  .50  -|-  .60  to 
.55  -|-  .70.  Nests  placed  in  grass,  reeds,  or  occasionally  in 
bushes,  composed  of  grass,  reeds,  etc.,  woven  into  a  globular 
form.  Breeds  in  Southern  British  America  and  the  United 
States,  in  June. 

725a.  TuLE  Wren,  Cistothorus  palnstris  paludicola.  Eggs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  721,  and  the  nests  and 
nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  Western  United  States, 
east  to  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

725ft.  Marian's  Marsh  Wren,  Cistothorus  vxarianm. 
I  have  never  seen  the  eggs.  Breeds  in  the  vicinity  of  Tarpon 
Springs,  Florida. 

Family  LX.  —  CERTHIIDiE.     Creepers. 

Eggs,  spotted,  and  deposited  in  nests  that  are  placed  either 
in  holes  of  trees,  or  oftener  behind  loosened  strips  of  bark. 

726.  Brown  Creeper,  Certhia  familiaris  americana. 
Eggs,  4  to  6,  rather  elliptical,  wliite,  spotted  and  dotted  with 
reddish  brown;  .50  -|- .70  to  ..52 -|- .73.  Fine  markings  are 
characteristic.  Nests  placed  behind  loose  strips  of  bark,  com- 
posed of  grass,  moss,  etc.     Breeds  throughout  North  America, 


146 


ISOOS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


from  Northern  United  States  northward,  and  along  the  moan* 
tain  ranges  farther  soutliward,  in  June. 

726a.  Mexican  Creeper,  Certhia  familiaris  mexicana. 
Eggs,  probably  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  726. 
Breeds  in  Southern  Arizona  southward. 

726&.  Rocky  Mountain  Creeper,  Certhia  familiaris  mon- 
tana.  Eggs,  probably  similar  to  those  of  No.  720.  Breeds  in 
the  Rocky  Mountains,  from  Northern  Mexico  to  Alaska. 

726c.  California  Creeper,  Certhia  familiaris  occidentalia. 
Eggs,  probably  similar  to  those  of  No.  726.  Breeds  on  the 
Pacific  coast,  from  California  to  Southern  AIa.ska. 


I 


Family  LXI.  —  PARID^.    Nuthatches  and  Tits. 

Eggs,  usually  white  and  spotted,  deposited  in  nests  that  are 
placed  in  holes  which  are  excavated  by  the  birds. 

727.  WHiTE-BRKASTEn  NuTHATCH,  Sittu  caroUnensis.  Eggs, 
4  to  6,  oval,  creamy  white,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly 
with  reddish  brown  and  lilac,  often  forming  a  ring  around  the 
larger  end  ;  .57  -{•  .70  to  .GO  -j-  .83.  Nests  placed  in  holes  of 
trees,  composed  of  grass,  lined  with  hair  and  feathei-s.  Breeds 
in  the  Southern  British  Provinces  and  Eastern  United  States 
to  the  Rocky  Mountains,  in  June. 

727a.  Slender-billed  Nuthatch,  Sitta  caroUnensis  acit- 
leata.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  727.  Breeds 
in  Western  North  America,  east  to  the  plains  and  south  into 
Mexico. 

728.  Red-breasted  Nuthatch,  Sitta  canadensis.  Eggs,  5 
or  6,  oval,  spotted  and  dotted  with  reddish  brown ;  .50  -\-  .60 
to  .55  -\-  .64.  Nests  placed  in  holes,  composed  of  fine  grass. 
Breeds  in  North  America,  from  the  Northern  United  States 
northward,  in  June. 

729.  Brown-iieaded  Nuthatch, /S'tMajPi^si'Wa.  Eggs,  4  to 
6,  oval,  white,  spotted  and  dotted  with  reddish  brown  and 
lilac ;  .45  -j-  .00  to  .51  -\-  .63.     Nests  placed  in  holes,  composed 


EGOS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  JtlRDS. 


147 


5 

60 
ss. 
LCS 

to 
nd 
ed 


of  the  soft  fibrous  sul)8t;incc8  wliich  grow  at  the  base  of  the 
fron<ls  of  the  ^:i\v  palmetto.  Breeds  in  the  South  Atlantic 
and  (lulf  States,  in  March  and  April. 

730.  Pygmv  Nuthatch,  /SUta  pygmcBa.  Eggs,  5,  6,  7,  or 
8,  rarely  9,  oval,  white,  spotted  an<l  dotted  with  reddish  brown ; 
.47  •\-  .60  to  .50  -f-  .65.  Nests  placed  in  holes,  coinpr>ed  of 
feathers,  vegetable  down,  etc.  Breeds  in  Western  United 
States,  from  New  Mexico  and  Colorado  to  Southern  California, 
in  May. 

731.  Tufted  Titmousk,  Pants  hicolor.  Eggs,  6  or  7,  oval, 
white,  spotted  and  blotched  with  light  reddish  brown  and 
lilac  over  the  entire  surface,  but  a  little  more  thickly  on  the 
larger  end  ;  .55  -|-  .70  to  .00  -j-  .75.  Breeds  in  Eastern  United 
States,  west  to  the  plains,  north  to  Pennsylvania,  in  April  and 
Mav. 

731a.  Tkxas  Tufted  Titmouse,  Panes  bicolor  tezensis. 
Eggs,  probably  similar  to  those  of  No.  731.     Breeds  in  Tc  wis. 

732.  Black-crested  Titmouse,  Panis  atricristatua.  Eggs, 
5  to  7,  oval,  white,  finely  .sprinkled  with  purplish  brown ;  .48 
-j-  .62  to  .49  -}-  .63.  Nests  placed  in  holes  of  trees,  composed 
of  grass,  wool,  feathers,  and  moss.  Breeds  in  Southeastern 
Texas  and  Eastern  Mexico,  in  March,  and  again  in  May. 

732a.  Chestnut-fronted  Titmouse,  Parns  atricristatiis 
castaneifrons.  Eggs,  probably  indistinguishable  from  those  of 
No.  732.  Breeds  in  Texas.  This  sub-species  and  No.  731a 
have  recently  been  described  by  Mr.  George  B.  Sennett  in  tlie 
"Auk"  for  January,  1887. 

733.  Plain  Titmouse,  Pants  inomatus.  Eggs,  5  to  7, 
oval,  white,  often  unspotted,  but  frequently  sparingly  dotted 
with  reddish  ;  .45  -}-  .65  to  .55  -j-  .70.  Nests  placed  in  holes 
of  trees,  composed  of  grass,  feathers,  etc.  Breeds  in  Califor- 
nia and  Western  Oregon. 

733rt.  Gray  Titmouse,  Parus  inomatus  grisetts.  Eggs, 
probably  similar  to  those  of  No.  733.  Breeds  in  New  Mexico 
and  Colorado  to  Arizona  and  Nevada. 


14S 


KOOfi  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


733^;,  Asiiv  TiTMousK,  Pants  mornatus  cineraceus.  Eggs 
probably  do  not  ditt'or  from  those  of  No.  783.  Breeds  in 
Lower  California. 

734.  Bridled  Titmouse,  Parus  wollweberi.  Eggs,  unde- 
Bcribcd.  Breeds  in  Western  Texas,  Southern  New  Mexico, 
Southern  Arizona,  and  southward. 

73r).  CiiicKADKE,  Parus  atricapillus.  (Type,  Plate  X.) 
Eggs,  5  to  7,  oval,  white,  spotted  and  dotted  with  reddish 
brown,  usually  a  little  more  thickly  on  the  larger  end ;  .45  -|- 
.60  to  .50  -\-  .65  Nests  placed  in  holes,  composed  of  soft 
mosses  and  hair  felted  together.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North 
America,  north  of  the  Potomac  and  Ohio  Valleys,  in  May. 

735rt.  LoN(>-TAir,ED  ('iik  kadee,  Parus  atricapillus  septen- 
trioiinlis.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No,  735. 
Breeds  in  tlu)  Rocky  Mountain  plateau  region,  cast  to  Mani- 
toba and  the  plains,  in  May. 

735i.  Oi!K(}ox  Chickadee,  Parus  atricapillus  occidentalis. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  735.  Breeds  in  the 
Pacific  coast  region  of  North  America,  from  Northern  Cali- 
fornia northward. 

73(5.  Cauoltxa  Chickadee,  Parus  carolinensis.  E'T'gs,  5 
to  8,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  735,  but  average  a 
little  sinaller.  Breeds  in  the  Southeastern  States,  north  to 
Pennsylvania  and  Illinois,  west  to  Missouri,  the  Indian  Terri- 
tory, and  Eastern  Texas,  in  April  and  May. 

736a,  Plumbeous  Chickadee,  Parus  carolinensis  agilis. 
Eggs,  probably  similar  to  those  of  No.  736.  Breeds  in  East- 
ern and  Central  Texas.  Described  by  Sennett  in  the  "Auk" 
for  January,  1888. 

737.  JMexican  Ciiiokadke,  Parus  meridionalis.  Eggs, 
undescribed.     Breeds  in  Mexico,  north  to  Southern  Arizona. 

738.  Mountain  Chickadee,  Parus  gamheli.  Eggs,  5  to  7, 
oval,  white,  often  unspotted,  but  sometimes  dotted  more  or 
less  with  reddish ;  .48  -\-  .58  to  .49  -|-  .64.  Nests  placed  iu 
holes,  composed  of  hair  and  fur,  lined  with  soft  moss.     Breeds 


EOGS   OF  NOliTIl  AMERICAN  lilUDS. 


149 


in  the  mountainous  parts  of  the  Western  United  States,  from 
the  Kooky  Mountains  to  tlie  Sierra  Nevada,  in  June. 

739.  SinERiAN  Chickadee,  l^ants  cinctun  ohtecti's.  Eggs, 
undescribed.     Breeds  in  Northern  Ahiska  and  Eastern  Siberia. 

740.  HiTDSONiAN  Cii[(  KADKE,  Panis  hiidsoniais.  Eggs,  6 
to  10,  oval  or  spherical,  white,  finely  spotted  with  reddish 
brown  ;  .50  -j-  .60  to  .55  -f-  .06.  Nests  placed  in  holes,  com- 
posed of  hair,  feathers,  etc.  Breeds  in  Northern  North 
America,  from  Northern  New  England,  Northern  New  York, 
Northern  Michigan,  northward  in  May. 

740a.  KowAK  Chickadee,  Parus  hudsotiicus  stoneyi.  Eggs, 
unknown.  Breeds  in  the  valley  of  the  Kowak  River,  North- 
western Alaska.  Described  by  Ridgway  in  "  Manual  of  North 
American  Birds,"  1887,  p.  591. 

741.  Chestnut-backed  Chickadee,  Parus  rufescens.  Egorg, 
5  to  7,  oval,  white,  spotted  and  dotted  with  reddish ;  .48  -|- 
.58  to  .50  -|-  -60.  Nests  placed  in  holes  of  trees,  composed  of 
soft  material.  Breeds  in  the  northwest  coast  region  of  North 
America,  from  the  Columbia  River  northward,  in  May. 

741a.  California  Chickadee,  Paiits  rufescens  neglectus. 
Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  741,  and  the  nesting  habits  are 
similar.  Breeds  in  the  coast  region  o.,  the  middle  and  south- 
ern portions  of  California. 

742.  "WuEN  Tit,  Chamcea  fasciata.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  oval, 
pale  bluish  green,  unspotted ;  .50  -f-  -68  to  .52  -\-  .70.  Nests 
jilaced  in  low  bushes,  conijiosod  of  twigs,  straw,  and  feathers. 
Breeds  in  the  roast  region  of  Californiii,  in  May. 

742a.   PAi,i.iD   Wkkn    Tit,    Chamcea  fasciata    henahaioi. 

E-'-'trs,  iudistiii'^uisliMMi!  froia  those  ot  No.  742.  .Urc'iii.;  iii  iho 
interior  of  California,  including  tiie  western  sloj)e  of  tlie  Sierra 
Nevada. 

743.  Bush  Tit,  Psaitriparys  ndnimiis.  Eggs,  7  to  9,  oval, 
white;  .44 -}- .56  to  .40 -}- .58.  Nests  long,  cylindrical,  eight 
inches  in  length,  composed  of  a  cottony  vegetable,  covered  with 


150 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN   lURDS. 


i 


lichens,  lined  with  feathers,  suspencfud  from  a  limb  of  a  tree. 
Breeds  in  the  Pacific  coast  region,  from  Northern  California  to 
Washington  Territory,  in  March  and  April. 

743a.  Califouxian  Busir  Tit,  Psaltriparus  rninwnis  cali- 
fornicus.  Eggs  and  nests,  similar  to  those  of  No.  743,  Breeds 
in  California,  except  the  northern  coast  region,  in  March  and 
April. 

743J.  Giunda's  Bush  Tit,  Psaltrijjarus  mininms  gri7idcB. 
Eggs,  probably  similar  to  those  "f  No.  743.  Breeds  in  Lower 
California. 

744.  Lkad-coi.ored  Bush  Tit,  Psaltripancs  plxmbeus. 
Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  743,  and  the  nests  and  nesting 
habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  New  Mexico  and  Arizona,  north 
to  EusLcrn  Oregon  and  Western  Wyoming. 

744a.  Santa  Rita  Bush  Tit,  Psaltriparus  sautarUm. 
Eggs,  unknown,  but  probably  similar  to  those  of  No.  744. 
BrP3ds  in  the  Santa  Rit;^  Mountains,  Southern  Arizona.  De- 
scribed by  Ridgway  i  the  "  Proceedings  of  the  United  States 
Museum,"  September,  1888,  p.  697. 

745.  Lloyd's  Bush  Tit,  Psaltriparus  lloi/di.  Eggs,  prob- 
ably similar  to  those  of  No.  743.  Nests,  undescribed.  Breeds 
in  Western  Texas,  in  the  mountains  between  the  Pecos  River 
and  tiie  Rio  Grande. 

746.  Y¥.nx)\^,  Aariparusflamceps.  Eggs,  pale  blue,  spotted 
and  dotted,  chiefly  about  the  larger  end,  with  brown.  Nests 
placed  in  trees,  composed  of  thorny  twigs  and  leaves,  lined 
with  down  and  feathers.  Breeds  in  the  southern  border  of 
the  United  S'^ates,  from  the  valley  of  the  Rio  Grande  to 
Arizona,  Mexico,  and  Lower  California. 


Family  LXIL--SYLVIDiE.    Waubleus   Kinglets  and 

Gnatcatciieus. 


Eggs,  white  or  bluish,  spotted,  variaiile  in  number,  and  are 
deposited  in  nests  that  are  also  variable  in  form,  but  which 


EGGS  OF  NOBTU  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


151 


are  usually  placed  at  an  elevation  above  the  ground,  but  some- 
times on  it. 

747.  Kkxmcott's  Wilt.ow  Warbleu,  I^hyllopseustes  borer 
alls.  F'xgs,  undc'scribed,  but  are  probably  similar  to  those  of 
tiie  closely  allied  Willow  Wren  of  Euro))e,  which  are  5,  pink- 
ish white,  distinctly  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish  brown  ; 
.65  -(-  .50,  Nests  placed  on  the  ground  and  domed.  Breeds 
in  Northeastern  Asia  and  Alaska. 

748.  GoLUEN-CROWNKD  KiNGLET,  Reguliis  satrapa.  Eggs, 
8  to  10,  oval,  creamy  white,  minutely  and  somewhat  obscurely 
dotted  with  slaty  and  brown  ;  .47  -f-  .39  to  .41  -\-  .52.  Nests 
placed  in  trees,  comi)osed  of  soft  moss  arranged  in  a  globular 
form,  with  the  entrance  on  the  top,  and  lined  with  feathers. 
Breeds  in  North  America,  in  the  northern  and  elevated  parts 
of  the  United  States,  northward,  in  June. 

748a.  AVestern  Golden-crowxed  Kinglet,  Regnlus 
satrapa  ollraceiis.  Eggs,  probably  similar  to  those  of  No.  748. 
Breeds  in  the  Pacific  coast  region,  from  California  ncthward. 

749.  Runv-cRowNED  Kixolet,  Itegulus  calendula.  Eggs, 
5  to  7,  rounded  ovai,  grayish  white,  faintly  s{)otted  with  light 
brown,  rather  more  thickly  on  the  larger  end;  .42 -}- .54  to 
.43  -\-  .58.  Nests  semi-])ensile  and  purse-shaped,  composed  of 
bark  an''  reen  moss,  'in<'d  with  feathers  and  hp.ir.  Breeds  in 
North  ^.aierica,  g(  riei  'lly  north  of  the  United  States,  but 
south  of  this  in  the  more  elevated  portions,  in  June. 

750.  Dusky  Kinglet,  RegiOus  obt^curus.  Eggs,  unknown. 
Breeds  on  Guadalupe  Island,  Lower  California. 

751.  Blue-grav  Gnatcatcher,  Polioptila  ca'ndea.  lilggs, 
4  to  G,  oval,  bluish  white,  spotted  and  blotched  irregularly  with 
reddish  brown  and  lilac;  .43  -}-  .56  to  .46  -j-  .60.  Nests  pen- 
sile, jiurse-shajx'd,  comjiosrd  of  weed  stnlks,  smoothly  c()\  ored 
with  lichens,  and  lined  with  feathers,  iireeds  in  the  soutlierii 
and  middle  portions  of  the  United  St.ates,  in  May. 

752.  Plumreous  Gnatcatcher,  Poliojifilaplumbea.  Eggs, 
4  to  G,  oval,  pale  greenish  blue,  spotted  with  reddish  brown; 


152 


EGGS   OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


.40  -|-  .52  to  .53  -f-  .42.  Nests  resemble  those  of  the  Redstart. 
Breeds  in  Western  Texas,  Arizona,  and  the  eastern  coast  of 
Lower  California,  in  June. 

753.  Black-tailed  Gnatcatcher,  PoUoptila  californica. 
Eggs,  4,  oblong  oval,  pale  greenish  white,  finely  dotted  with 
reddish  brown  and  black ;  .42  -|-  .53  to  .45  -|-  .55.  Nests 
ulacod  in  trees  and  bushes,  composed  of  the  hempen  fibres 
of  plants,  strips  of  bark,  etc.,  lined  with  downy  niiiterial. 
Breeds  in  Southern  California  and  Pacific  coast  of  Lower 
California,  in  May. 


Family   LXIII.  —  TURDID^.     Thrushes,  Solitaires, 
Stonechats,  Bluebirds,  Etc. 

Eggs,  frequently  blue  or  bluish  green,  plain  or  spotted,  and 
deposited  in  nests  that  are,  as  a  rule,  placed  in  trees  or  bushes, 
but  occasionally  in  holes,  and  sometimes  on  the  ground. 

754.  Townsend's  Solitaire,  Myadestes  townsendii.  Eggs,  3 
or  4,  oval,  dull  white,  thickly  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish 
brown ;  .66  -j-  .88  to  .68  -f- 1.01.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground, 
composed  of  grass.  Breeds  in  Western  United  Stalos,  from 
the  plains  westward  to  the  Pacific  coast,  in  June. 

755.  Wood  Thrush,  Tiirdus  miistelinus.  Eggs,  4  or  5, 
oval,  bluish  green,  mispotted  ;  .65  -j-  .75  to  .75  -|-  1.05.  Nests 
placed  in  bushes,  composed  of  grass,  leaves,  and  mud.  Breeds 
in  Eastern  United  States,  west  to  the  plains,  north  to  Southern 
Michigan,  Ontario,  and  Massachusetts,  in  May  and  June. 

756.  Wilson's  Thrush,  Turdtis  jvsc  -^cens.  (Tyi)e,  Plate 
YIIL)  Eggs,  3  or  4,  sometimes  5,  oval,  bluish  green,  un- 
sjiotted,  or  rarely  faintly  marked  with  reddish  ;  .60  -|-  .90  to 
.70  -j-  .95.  Nests  placed  on  the  ground,  or  rarely  in  trees  or 
bushes,  comjiosed  of  leaves,  bark,  and  grasses,  lined  with  root- 
lets. Lioeds  in  Eastern  United  States,  west  to  the  plains, 
north  to  JMimitoba,  Ontario,  Anticosti,  and  Newfoundland, 
south  to  the  middle  districts,  in  May  and  June. 


EGGS   OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  BIIWS. 


153 


756a.  Willow  Thkush,  Tardus  fuscescens  snUclcolus. 
Eggs,  intlistinguisliable  from  those  of  No.  756.  Breeds  In  the 
Rocky  Mountain  region  of  the  United  Stntcs,  east  to  Dakota. 

757.  Gray-cheekki>  Thrush,  Tardus  alicice.  Eggs,  4, 
oval,  bright  greenish  blue,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish 
and  yellowish  brown ;  .62  -\-  .88  to  .64  -\-  .92.  Nests  usually 
})laced  on  the  limbs  of  trees,  but  occasionally  on  the  ground, 
composed  of  grass,  leaves,  and  strips  of  bark,  occasionally 
with  a  mad  base.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North  America,  north  of 
the  United  States,  in  May. 

757u'.  Bicknell's  Thrush,  Turdus  alicim  bicknelU.  Eggs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  757.  Breeds  in  the  moun- 
tainous p.arts  of  the  Northeastern  States,  Catskill,  White 
Mountains,  etc.,  in  June. 

758.  Russet-hacked  Thrush,  Ttirdus  ttstalatus.  Eggs, 
pale  bluish  green,  spotted  and  blotched  with  reddish  brown 
and  lilac  ;  .65  -|-  .90  to  .69  -j-  .94.  Nests  placed  in  trees,  com- 
posed of  twigs,  leaves,  grass,  and  bark,  etc.  Breeds  in  the 
Pacific  coast  of  North  America,  from  Alaska  to  California,  in 
May. 

758f/.  Oltve-baoked  Thrush,  Turdus  7(stcdatiis  S'ir)aiy\so)iii. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  758,  and  the  nests 
and  nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  Eastern  North 
America,  from  Northern  New  England  northward,  in  June. 

759.  Dwarf  Hi:r5iit  Thrush,  Tunhis  aoncdaschJco'.  Eggs, 
indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  756,  and  the  nests  and 
nesting  habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  the  Pacific  coast  region, 
from  California  to  Alaska. 

759a.  AuouBOx's  IIkrmit  Thrush,  Tardus  aonahscMre 
miduboni.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  tliose  of  No.  750,  and 
the  nests  are  similar.  Breeds  in  the  Rocky  Mountain  region, 
from  the  northern  border  of  tne  Utiited  States,  southward. 

759i.  Hermit  Thrush,  Tardus  aomdaschhn  7>r</A/,s'//. 
Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  750,  and  the  nosts 
and   nesting  habits   are   similar.     Breeds   in   Eastern    North 


154 


EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  lURDS. 


ml  <  ■ 

in 


America,  from  Southern  Massachusetts,  where  it  is  not  very 
common,  northward,  in  June. 

760.  Rkd-wing  Tjiuusii,  Tardus  iliacus.  Eggs,  4,  oval, 
pale  green,  Gpotted  and  blotched  with  reddish  brown;  .81  -|~ 
1.06.  Nests  jtlaeed  in  bushes,  coni)»osed  of  sticks,  weeds,  and 
coarse  grass,  mixed  with  a  liftle  clay.  Extralitultal ;  breeds 
in  the  northern  ])arts  of  the  Old  World.  Bird  accidental  in 
Greenland. 

761.  American  Roiun,  Mernla  migratoria,  Eggs,  often  3, 
commonly  4,  rarely  5,  and  very  rarely  6,  oval,  greenish  blue, 
generally  nnsi)otte<1,  but  rarely  marked  with  dots  of  reddish ; 
.80  -f-  1.05  to  .85  -|-  1.26.  Nests  composed  of  mud  and  grass, 
placed  on  a  platform  of  coarse  grass,  lined  with  grass.  Breeds 
ill  Eastern  Norlli  America,  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
from  near  the  southern  border  of  the  United  States  northward 
to  the  Arctic  coast,  in  April,  Slay,  and  June,  depending  on 
latitude, 

761rt.  Wksterx  Rokin,  3ferula  mijjratoria  proinnqua. 
Egns,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No.  701.  Breeds  in 
Western  United  States,  from  the  eastern  base  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains  westward,  in  May. 

762.  Saint  Lucas  Robin,  Merula  confinis.  Eggs,  unknown. 
Breeds  in  Lower  California, 

763.  Varied  Thrush,  ITes})erocichla  nmo'>a.  Eggs.  4  or  5, 
oval,  bluish  green,  distinctly  spotted  and  blotched  with  dark 
umber  brown  ;  .78  +  1.10  to  .80  -\-  1.13,  Nests  placed  in 
buslics,  composed  of  twigs,  grass,  and  moss.  Breeds  in  the 
Pacic  coast  region  of  North  America,  from  Behriug's  Strait 
to  California,  in  June. 

764.  Rrd-spotted  Bluethuoat,  Cyanecnla  stcecica.  P^ggs, 
4,  oval,  greenish,  so  thickly  s))otted  with  olive  brown  as 
to  obscure  the  ground  color;  .50  -\-  .75  to  .55  ~f-  .78.  E.xtra- 
limital ;  breeds  in  the  northern  parts  of  the  Old  World.  Ijird 
casual  in  Alaska, 

766.   Whbateab,  Saxicola  (v.nanthe.    Eggs,    4,   oval,   pale 


FAiGt^   OF   N'ORTH   AMPntlCAN   ItHlDS. 


155 


blue;  .68  -f-  •^-'^  to  ,09  -\-  .SI,  Nosta  plnced  on  the  ground, 
composed  of  gr;iss,  t'entliors,  etc.,  lined  with  soft  mnterial. 
Br<'e<!fl  in  the  OJ(i  World,  and  at  least  occasionally  in  Green- 
land, Al:i.»ka,  and  L:ibrndor. 

7Cf).  TJtuKunjo,  Sialia  sialii?.  E_irg8,  4  to  6,  ovul,  pale  blue 
or  oce.isionally  winte;  .02  -j-  .75  to  .68  -j-  .80.  Nests  placed 
in  lioles  of  trees  or  in  martin  bo.x('>i,  composed  of  yriBs. 
Breeds  in  E.astern  United  Stales,  west  to  the  bnso  ol  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  and  From  Florida  north  to  Manitoba,  Ontario,  and 
Iv'ova  Scotia,  in  A})rii  atid  May. 

76Ga.  AzuuK  lii.irKTUKn,  Sialni  aialis  azurea.  Eggs,  indis- 
tinguishable from  those  of  No.  766.  Breeds  in  Southern 
Arizona  and  Eastern  Me.vico. 

707.  Wksteu.v  Bluebird,  Sialla  mexicana.  Eggs,  india- 
tinguishable  from  these  of  No.  7G6,  and  the  nests  and  nesting 
habits  are  similar.  Breeds  in  Western  LTnited  States,  from 
the  e'lstern  base  of  tlie  Rocky  Mountains  to  tlie  Pacific  coast, 
in  March. 

768.  MoDNTAiw  BLXJBBirtr.,  Sialia  arctica.  Egccs,  1  or  5, 
oval,  very  pale  blue,  size  of  those  of  No,  766.  Nests  placed 
in  holes  of  trees  or  in  cliffs.  Breeds  in  Western  North 
America,  from  the  western  parts  of  the  plains  to  the  PaciBo, 
and  north  to  G.eat  Slave  Lake,  in  Juno. 


APPENDIX. 


CORRECTIONS    AND   ADDITIONS. 


The  foregoing  work  was  written  three  years  ago,  and  the 
first  parts  were  then  put  into  typo.  Consequently,  there  have 
been  many  additions  to  Ihe  fauna,  during  this  time,  and,  unfor- 
tunately, some  changes  have  been  made  in  the  nomenchiture  ; 
besides  this,  the  eggs  of  some  species  have  since  been  discov- 
ered. Through  ])ress  of  business,  I  have  been  largely  depend- 
ent upon  proof-readers,  who,  although  perfectly  competent  as 
regards  the  general  text,  have,  naturally,  allowed  some  errors 
in  the  Latin  nnmes  to  escape  their  attention.  These  are,  in  z 
measure,  corrected  here. 

5.   Eggs,  4  or  5,  1.72  -f  1.99  (Ridgway). 

S.    2d]ino  for  No.  8,  read  No.  7. 

13a.  Eggs  are  n  little  larger  than  those  of  No.  13  ;  1.84  -\- 
2.74. 

16.   In  first  line,  for  aleydicns  road  aleuticus. 

22.  Is  not  now  coiisiderod  North  American. 

23.  Eggs,  1,  oval,  buffy,  sprinkled  with  brown  of  varying 
shades  ;  1;40  -f  2.10  to  1.42  +  2.14. 

26.  Eggs,  1,  oval,  buffy,  of  varying  shades,  thickly  sj)otted 
and  dotted  with  dark  brown  ;  l.:J8  -f-  2.00  to  1.40  +  2.03. 

41.   In  iirst  line,  lor  bierirostrifi  read  hrcinrostris. 

After  42  n<M  44«.  Point  Rarkow  Gill,  JCt/rw.s  ban'iovia- 
nus.  Eggs,  3  or  4,  oval,  varying  from  biiiish  white  to  dark 
brown,  spotted  and  blotch.ed  with  ronnded  markings  of  brown 
and  black  ;  2.M3  -|-  2.0r>  (Ridgway). 

157' 


158 


APPENDIX. 


46.  Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  44a,  2.00  -f-  2.88 
(Ridgwiiy). 

52.  First  line,  for  Pallus  Gull  Icarus  cachifinnana,  read 
Vkga  Gull,  Larus  vegce. 

61.  Eggs  measure  1.30  +  1.90. 

62.  First  line,  for  sandioichcnsis  read  sandviche/isis. 
83.   Eggs,  oval,  white  ;  2.60  +  4.15  to  2.63  +4.35. 
Family  VI.,  first  line,  for  PROCELLARINI^:  read  PUa 

CELLARIDJi:. 

93.  Eggs,  1,  elliptical,  white,  1.25  -f-  1.75  to  1.27  +  1.79. 

94.  Eggs,  1,  elliptical,  white,  1.75  -|-  2.55  to  1.78  -f-  2.55. 

99.  Not  North  American. 
99a.    Should  be  99. 

100.  In  first  line  Leache's  read  Leach's. 

After  106  add  106a.  Guadalupe  Petrel,  Oceanodroma 
macrodactyla.  I  have  never  eeen  descriptions  of  the  eggs. 
Breeds  on  Guadalupe  Islands,  Lower  California. 

After  114  add  114a.  Blue-footed  Booby,  Sula  gossii. 
Eggs,  1,  similar  in  size  to  those  of  No.  114. 

After  115  add  115a.  Brewstek's  Booby,  Sula  bretosteri. 
Eggs,  1,  similar  in  size  to  those  of  No.  115.  This  and  the 
above  breed  on  islands  in  the  Gulf  of  Lower  California. 

157.  Eggs,  greenish  buff  or  grayish  green  ;  1.60  -j-  2.28  to 
1.62  +  2.30. 

159.  First  line,  for  Eider,  Somateria  molissima,  read 
Greenland  Eider,  Somateria  molissima  borealis. 

172c.  Eggs,  6  to  10,  dirty  white;  1.98  -f-  3.00  to  2.00  -f 
3.05. 

191a.    First  line,  for  neoxina  read  neoxemcs. 

200.  First  line,  after  IIerox  add  Ardea  ccerulea. 

201.  First  line,  after  Heron  add  Ardea  virescens. 

After  201  add  201a.  Frazar's  Green  Hero.v,  Ardea  vires- 
cens frazari.     Eggs,  unknown.     Breeds  in  Lower  California. 

204.   After  Crane  add  Grus  aniericana. 

210.  Eggs,  not  dissimilar  to  those  of  No.  208  ;  1.24  -f  1.75 
(Ridgway). 


APPENDIX. 


159 


After  211a  add  211  A.  Scott's  Rail,  Jlallus  longirostris 
acotti.  Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  211.  Breeds  in  Western 
Florida. 

211c.  Cakibbkan  Clappkk  Rail,  llallus  lonr/irostris  cari- 
hoeiis.  Eggs,  unknown.  Breeds  in  the  West  Indies,  Gulf 
Coast  of  Mexico,  and  Southern  Tex;is. 

228.    First  line,  after  Woodcook  add  Philohela  minor. 

236.  Eggs,  4,  ]>yrifonn,  pale  olive  buff,  varying  to  bright 
brownish  buff,  8j)0tted  with  Vandyke  brown  or  deej)  umber, 
the  dark  markings  sometimes  predominating  over  the  ground 
color  (Kidgway). 

239.  Eggs,  4,  pyriform,  jiale  grayish  buff,  varying  to  pale 
olive  greenish,  boldly  and  heavily  blotched  with  rich  Vandyke 
brown  and  clouded  with  purplish  gray;  1.02  -\-  1.44  (Ridgway). 

244.  Eggs,  4,  pyriform,  pale  grayish  or  greenish  buff, 
spotted  with  deep  brown  (Ridgway). 

263.   First  line,  for  Actis  read  Actitis. 

After  286  add  286a.  Frazar's  Oyster  Catciiui;,  JTcBrnato- 
-pus  frazari.     Eggs,  unknown.     Breeds  in  Lower  California. 

288.    Eggs  mc'isure  .94  +  1.22  (Ridgway). 

After  2896  add  289c.  Cuban  Bob  Wiiitk  (kHhuis  Virginia- 
mis  cubanensis.  Eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  No. 
289«.     Breeds  in  Cuba  and  at  Miami,  Southern  Florida. 

290.   Not  North  American. 

387.   First  line,  after  Cuckoo  add  Coccygus  americanus. 

389.    First  line,  after  Trogo::  add  Trogon  ainbiguus. 

396a.  First  line,  after  scalaris,  for  encasanus  read  lucasa- 
nus. 

After  597  add  597a.  Wkstern  Blue  Grosbeak,  Guiraca 
ccrrulea  enrhyncha.  Eggs,  similar  to  those  of  No.  597. 
Breeds  in  Southwestern  United  States,  north  to  Colorado  and 
California. 

661.   First  line,  after'WARBLER  add  JJendroica  striata. 


